The Almaty Department of Ecology and Environment has revealed details of the mechanism for buying old cars from residents, reports infohub.kz.
Earlier it became known that Almaty intends to create a specialized company to update the vehicle fleet. The city administration said: "The project considers the possibility of introducing preferential lending, leasing programs, and trade-in for purchasing eco-friendly cars. It is planned to involve local automakers, including Astana Motors, Orbis, and other companies."
The Department of Ecology noted that the buyout mechanism is included in the action plan to improve air quality for 2026-2027. "As part of the implementation of the Rules for the Protection of Atmospheric Air of Almaty, the Social-Entrepreneurial Corporation 'Almaty' has developed a draft regional program for the disposal of vehicles for 2026-2028. Currently, the program is being finalized," the department clarified.
The SEC 'Almaty' added that the introduction of the new mechanism is linked to the significant impact of vehicles on air pollution. "It is planned to introduce a mechanism for buying old cars that do not meet environmental requirements, with their subsequent disposal. Such measures will stimulate the renewal of the vehicle fleet and reduce the number of old cars. This, in turn, will help reduce the volume of harmful substances emitted into the atmosphere," the SEC stated.
The program is at the development stage; participation conditions and implementation procedures have not yet been announced. However, it is noted that direct purchase of cars from residents is not envisaged. Instead, car dealers and domestic manufacturers will be involved. "Currently, a mechanism for preferential financing of car dealers and manufacturers is being considered. Under it, owners of cars with low environmental class are planned to be issued discount certificates when purchasing a new car," the response says.