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[Autohome News] We have learned from official sources that Volkswagen and Jetta have officially entered the Uzbek market. This marks the first time that Volkswagen Brand China has independently managed the export of its models to markets outside China, and represents a major step in the brand’s global export strategy. The project launch ceremony took place on June 17 during an international forum in Tashkent.
Dr. Robert Cisek, CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand China, stated: “Exports are an important strategic goal for Volkswagen Brand China. Uzbekistan is the first step in our plan to tap high-growth markets with products manufactured in China. By leveraging our established presence and deep integration into the Chinese supply chain, we can strongly support the brand’s global growth strategy. Through long-term, gradually increasing investment, we will precisely meet the needs of other regional markets and bring high-quality, innovative products to new customer groups.”
With a population of over 38 million, Uzbekistan is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in Central Asia. Since 2021, annual car sales there have more than doubled, exceeding 461,000 units in 2025. To seize this market opportunity, Volkswagen plans to establish a retail network of 13 dealerships locally in 2026, expanding to 24 by 2028. Backed by a competitive product lineup and an expanding sales network, Volkswagen aims to achieve a high market share within three years of entering the Uzbek market.
In the initial phase, Volkswagen will focus on exporting complete vehicles. The product portfolio includes the Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro, Passat Pro, Teramont X, Teramont Pro, Tharu XR, and Lavida XR, as well as the Jetta VS7 and VS5. These models combine German engineering prowess with localized highlights to meet the diverse mobility needs of Uzbek customers.
Furthermore, Volkswagen plans to strengthen its presence in Uzbekistan through phased local production. This will help secure tariff advantages, ensure compliance, and achieve scalable growth. Volkswagen will cooperate with Uzbekistan’s Alyans Automobile Company and plans to begin semi-knocked-down (SKD) production in Tashkent by the end of 2026. The local plant is planned to have an annual production capacity of 20,000 units. The first phase of the project will create 200 jobs, with the potential for over 3,000 additional jobs in a second phase. Volkswagen also intends to carry out a comprehensive employee training program, including trainer qualification training in line with Volkswagen’s global standards, as well as production, technical, and product training.
Following its entry into the Uzbek market, Volkswagen is evaluating further export opportunities to bring China-developed models into emerging markets where the brand is not yet present, with a focus on markets that are increasingly adopting Chinese technical standards. Priority regions include ASEAN countries, the CIS region, and South American markets. (Compiled by Li Na, Autohome)