Hyundai Motor Company and Astana Motors have signed an agreement to produce the new Hyundai Tucson in Kazakhstan, following a meeting between Kazakh President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev and Sung Kim, head of HMG's strategy and planning division, according to infohub.kz.
Specific launch dates and production volumes have not yet been disclosed.
During the meeting, the parties discussed expanding investment, production capacity, and localization in Kazakhstan. President Toqaev emphasized the need to increase the output of auto components and the export potential of the automotive industry.
Currently, Hyundai produces vehicles at its Hyundai Trans Kazakhstan plant in Almaty. The head of state also noted the role of the Kia facility in Kostanay and set the task of turning Kazakhstan into a regional center for automobile production and export with the development of a full cycle.
Hyundai confirmed its intention to expand its presence and deepen localization. Electric transport was named as a separate area of cooperation — the production of electric vehicles and components, as well as the development of charging infrastructure.
The new Tucson has received a noticeably changed exterior and has become larger than the previous generation. The crossover's length has increased to 4700 mm, the wheelbase to 2785 mm, the width has reached 1905 mm, and the height is 1685 mm. The interior has also been redesigned. The cabin retains physical controls, complemented by a large central screen and a digital instrument panel.
Earlier, Kursiv Auto reported that Hyundai remains the leader among the best-selling brands in Kazakhstan, while the Tucson ranked second among the most popular models.