In Tashkent’s vibrant IV International Investment Forum, Ivan Cao, managing director of BYD Central Asia, unveiled his vision for Uzbekistan’s rapidly evolving automotive scene. With a newly minted BYD factory in Jizzakh, the Chinese automaker is accelerating the shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles across the country.
“When I look at Uzbekistan’s market today, monopoly is simply not an option,” Cao told a Daryo correspondent. “Chinese brands are flocking here, giving buyers a growing selection—from internal combustion engines to plug-in hybrids and pure electric models.”
Since BYD’s plant opened in 2024, it has cranked out over 10,000 vehicles. Last year alone, domestic sales hit between 30,000 and 35,000 cars. With an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles and plans to reach 20,000–25,000 locally built EVs by 2025, BYD is also eyeing exports to neighbouring markets in partnership with local firms.
Uzbekistan’s appetite for new energy vehicles is climbing fast. By the end of 2024, these models captured more than 15% of the market—and industry experts predict that figure will leap past 20% this year. Improvements in the charging network and consumer interest in sustainable mobility are driving the trend.
“Once the charging infrastructure is fully developed, electric cars will become the obvious choice for many,” Cao said.
The forum, hosted by the Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade, drew over 8,000 participants—government officials, investors and business leaders—and featured the nation’s first national exhibition showcasing 90 companies across diverse sectors. The message was clear: Uzbekistan is open for business, and its automotive chapter is just revving up.
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"Monopoly is not an option": BYD official on Uzbekistan's car market
cgtn.com
