Ust-Kamenogorsk is considering launching new production at the site of the former Asia Auto plant, with Chinese corporation Dongfeng Motor among potential participants, according to infohub.kz.
The akimat of East Kazakhstan region has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Tricar Motors and Dongfeng Kazakhstan. The parties are studying prospects for producing automotive components and special vehicles.
The project is still in its early stages. Participants need to determine the product range, production capacity, and engineering infrastructure. Investment volume and launch timelines are also undecided, to be agreed after negotiations and preparation of a feasibility study.
Regional authorities view this project as one option to bring industrial production back to the former plant site and create new jobs.
Dongfeng Motor Corporation is a major Chinese automaker that owns several brands, including premium electric vehicle brand Voyah and M-Hero, which produces expensive SUVs. The group also includes Aeolus, Forthing, and others.
However, it is premature to talk about producing these brands at the former Asia Auto site. The signed memorandum does not mention specific models or brands.
Previously, Asia Auto assembled Lada and Kia cars but ceased production in 2021 after a conflict with the state over unmet investment obligations.
In spring 2026, the plant's property, owned by convicted entrepreneur Anatoly Balushkin, was transferred to the akimat of East Kazakhstan region. The starting price for the complex was zero tenge, with an estimated value of 23.3 billion tenge.
Additionally, as reported by Kursiv Avto, AvtoVAZ plans to organize Lada production in Kazakhstan to bypass higher import duties on vehicles.