ŠKODA plant in Kazakhstan: how the Czech brand conquers Central Asia

In recent years, Kazakhstan has become a key player in the automotive market of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the plant ŠKODA in Kostanay - one of the symbols of this transformation. Czech brand, part of the group Volkswagen Group, chose Kazakhstan not by chance: it combines an advantageous geographical location, preferential conditions for investors and growing demand for European cars. But how exactly does this enterprise work? What models ŠKODA are they produced here, and why is their cost different from their “European” counterparts?

In this article we will look at unique features of the Kazakh ŠKODA plant - from technological processes to economic nuances that affect the final price of cars. You will learn how localization of production affects quality, which models will be assembled in Kostanay in 2026, and why buying a “Kazakh” ŠKODA can be more profitable than an imported one. We’ll also debunk the myths about “assembly from a screwdriver” and tell you how to check the origin of a car before buying.

Where is the ŠKODA plant located in Kazakhstan: address and infrastructure

Factory ŠKODA AUTO Kazakhstan located in the city of Kostanay - the administrative center of the Kostanay region in the north of the country. Exact address: st. Industrialnaya, 33, Kostanay, 110000, Kazakhstan. This company operates on the basis Saryarka Automobile Plant (SAZ), who previously specialized in car assembly Chevrolet and Ravon.

The choice of Kostanay is not accidental: the city is located 700 km from Almaty and 500 km from Astana, which ensures logistical accessibility to key markets. In addition, the industrial infrastructure is developed here, and local authorities provide tax incentives for automakers. For example, in 2023 the plant received the status priority investment project, which gives him the right to a zero income tax rate for 10 years.

• 📍 Factory area: 30 hectares (with the prospect of expanding to 50 hectares).
• 🏭 Production capacity: up to 30,000 cars per year (as of 2026).
• 🚛 Logistics: own railway dead end for the supply of components from Europe.
• 💼 Investors: joint venture ŠKODA AUTO (51%) and a Kazakh company Allur Group (49%).

Interesting fact: the plant in Kostanay became the first full-fledged production ŠKODA in Central Asia. Previously, the brand was present on the market only through imports from Russia or Europe. Localization made it possible to reduce car prices for Kazakh buyers by 15–25% due to the absence of customs duties.

History of the plant: from Soviet roots to Czech technologies

The Saryarka Automobile Plant (SAZ) was built back in 1974 and initially specialized in the repair of agricultural machinery. Cars began to be assembled here in the 1990s Chevrolet under license General Motors, and in the 2010s the plant was repurposed for the brand Ravon (joint project UzAuto and GM). However, after leaving General Motors from the region in 2020, the company was left without a key partner.

The turning point occurred in June 2022when ŠKODA AUTO and Allur Group signed an agreement to create a joint venture. Already in December of the same year, the first one came off the assembly line ŠKODA Octavia Kazakh assembly. The plant underwent a complete modernization: new welding robots were installed KUKA, color lines from Dürr and quality control system according to standards Volkswagen Group.

Year	Event	Consequences
1974	Founding of SAZ as a repair company	Specialization in agricultural machinery
2004	Start of assembly Chevrolet Aveo	First automotive experience
2016	Switch to brand Ravon	Localization up to 40%
2022	Parish ŠKODA AUTO and modernization	Start of production Octavia and Kodiaq
2026	Launch plans Enyaq iV (electric car)	The first electric car in Kazakhstan

Today the plant in Kostanay meets the standard ISO 9001 and certified according to the quality management system Volkswagen Group. This means that every car passes 120 control points before leaving the assembly line - from checking welds to testing electronics.

Why did ŠKODA choose Kazakhstan and not Russia?

After the departure of many automakers from Russia in 2022, ŠKODA was looking for alternative sites for localization in the EAEU. Kazakhstan offered more stable political conditions, preferential tax regimes and tariff-free access to the markets of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. In addition, Kostanay already had a ready-made SAZ infrastructure, which reduced the time to start production to 6 months.

Which ŠKODA models will be assembled in Kazakhstan in 2026

Today, the plant in Kostanay produces two main models:

1. ŠKODA Octavia (4th generation) is the brand’s most popular sedan. Localization reaches 30%, including body welding, painting and interior assembly. Engines and gearboxes are supplied from the Czech Republic.
2. ŠKODA Kodiaq (2nd generation) is a large crossover, assembly of which began in 2023. Localization - approx. 25%, with an emphasis on plastic interior parts and exterior panels.

Plans for 2026–2026 include the launch of production:

• 🚗 ŠKODA Enyaq iV — the brand’s first electric car in Central Asia (localization of battery modules is expected).
• 🔧 ŠKODA Superb — flagship sedan for the premium segment.
• 💨 ŠKODA Kushaq — a compact crossover for a youth audience (can be assembled from Indian components).

Important: all models assembled in Kostanay have distinctive features:

• 🔠 VIN code starts with TMB... (for Kazakhstan), while Czech cars have TM9....
• 📄 B PTS the country of assembly is indicated - Kazakhstan, not the Czech Republic or Slovakia.
• 🔧 There is a marking on the plate under the hood Made in Kazakhstan by ŠKODA AUTO.

Technology and quality: how ŠKODA is assembled in Kostanay

One of the main questions buyers have to ask build quality. Many fear that localization in Kazakhstan means simplified technologies or the use of cheap materials. However, the Kostanay plant operates to the same standards as European enterprises Volkswagen Group. Here are the key production features:

• 🤖 Robotization: 80% of welding operations are performed by robots KUKA (the same as at the plant in Mlada Boleslav).
• 🎨 Color: 7-stage system using environmentally friendly paints BASF and control of layer thickness with laser sensors.
• 🔍 Quality control: Each car undergoes a body leak test (immersion in water under pressure) and an electronics test at the stand Vector.
• 🔄 Local suppliers: Some plastic parts and glass are supplied by Kazakh companies, but critical components (engines, transmissions) are supplied from Europe.

However, there are nuances that are worth knowing:

⚠️ Attention: In the first batches Octavia (2022–2023) there were problems with the fit of plastic interior panels. This was due to the adaptation of equipment. Since 2026, the defect has been eliminated - the plant has switched to new molds from Magna International.

For comparison: the defect rate at the Kostanay plant is 0,8% (versus 0.3% in the Czech Republic), but this is still below the industry average in the EAEU (1.2%). Each car undergoes testing before being sent to dealers 500 km test drive at the plant's site.

Check the uniformity of the gaps between the body panels (tolerance - no more than 3 mm)|Pay attention to the tight fit of the doors (there should be no creaks)|Make sure that all plastic interior parts have the same shade|Start the engine - there should be no extraneous vibrations at idle-->

Prices and benefits: why ŠKODA from Kazakhstan is cheaper

The main advantage of the Kazakhstan assembly is lower price compared to imported analogues. For example, ŠKODA Octavia 1.6 MPI included Active costs:

• 🇨🇿 Czech assembly: ~14,500,000 tenge (including duties).
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan assembly: ~12,800,000 tenge (11% savings).

Savings are achieved through:

1. No import duties (in the EAEU there is a zero rate for localized cars).
2. Preferential loans from Kazakh banks (for example, Halyk Bank offers an 8% annual rate for ŠKODA buyers).
3. Subsidies from the state: the plant received a development grant in the amount of 5 billion tenge.

However, there are also pitfalls:

⚠️ Attention: The warranty for cars assembled in Kazakhstan is valid only at official ŠKODA dealership centers in the EAEU. When traveling outside the Union (for example, to Europe), service may cost more due to differences in technical regulations.

Model	Assembly	Price (tenge)	Savings
Octavia 1.6 MPI Active	Kazakhstan	12 800 000	11%
Octavia 1.5 TSI Style	Czech Republic	16 200 000	—
Kodiaq 1.5 TSI Ambition	Kazakhstan	18 500 000	8%
Kodiaq 2.0 TDI Laurin & Klement	Slovakia	22 000 000	—

Important: prices may vary depending on exchange rates and dealer promotions. For example, in 2023 ŠKODA Kazakhstan ran a promotion with free installation panoramic roof for buyers Kodiaq.

Prospects for the plant: electric vehicles and exports

In 2026, the plant in Kostanay faces new challenges. The main one is the launch of production ŠKODA Enyaq iV, the brand's first electric car in Central Asia. To achieve this, the enterprise is undergoing another modernization:

• 🔋 Installation of a battery module assembly line (partner - CATL).
• ⚡ Installation of charging stations with power up to 150 kW for testing cars.
• 🌱 Standard Certification ISO 14001 (environmental management).

Export plans:

• 🇷🇺 Russia: from 2026 it is planned to supply up to 5,000 vehicles per year (mainly Octavia and Kodiaq).
• 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan: supply negotiations Kushaq (if the model will be localized).
• 🇲🇳 Mongolia: test batches Octavia have already been sent to Ulaanbaatar.

However, there are risks:

⚠️ Attention: In 2023, the plant faced a shortage of microchips due to sanctions against Russia, which led to assembly line downtime for 3 weeks. In 2026 ŠKODA diversifies supplies of components to avoid a repeat of the situation.

Experts predict that by 2027 the plant in Kostanay can reach capacity 50,000 cars per year, if issues with logistics and customs barriers in the EAEU are resolved.

How to buy a ŠKODA from Kazakhstan: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to purchase a car assembled in Kazakhstan, follow this algorithm:

1. Selecting a model and configuration.

   Explore the official website ŠKODA Kazakhstan, where current prices and available options are presented. Pay attention to the configuration Active, Ambition and Style - they are the most in demand.

2. Check dealer availability.

   Contact your nearest official dealer (the list is on the brand’s website). Check to see if the car is in stock or if you need to wait (delivery times range from 2 weeks to 3 months).

3. Placing an order and payment.

   Preferential loans are available for residents of Kazakhstan from Halyk Bank and Kaspi Bank with a rate of 7%. Foreign buyers (for example, from Russia) will be required to pay 100% of the cost in advance.

4. Receiving the car and registration.

   When purchasing in Kazakhstan you will receive PTS of international standard, which is valid in all EAEU countries. To register in Russia, customs clearance will be required (but it is free for individuals).

Documents you will need:

• 📄 Passport or ID.
• 💳 Bank card for payment (if you buy on credit - income certificate).
• 🚗 Vehicle registration certificate (issued by the dealer).
• 🔐 Sales and purchase agreement (3 copies).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the ŠKODA plant in Kazakhstan

🔍 How to distinguish a ŠKODA assembled in Kazakhstan from a Czech one?

Main features:

• The VIN code starts with TMB... (Kazakhstan) instead TM9... (Czech Republic).
• The country of assembly is indicated in the PTS - Republic of Kazakhstan.
• There is an inscription on the plate under the hood Made in Kazakhstan by ŠKODA AUTO.
• The price is 10–15% lower than that of imported analogues.

💰 Why is ŠKODA from Kazakhstan cheaper?

Main reasons:

• No import duties (the EAEU has a zero rate for localized cars).
• Preferential conditions for the plant (tax holidays, grants from the state).
• Use of local components (plastic, glass), which reduces costs.

However, savings do not mean worse quality - the plant operates according to standards Volkswagen Group.

⚡ Will ŠKODA electric cars be assembled in Kazakhstan?

Yes, production is planned to start in 2026 ŠKODA Enyaq iV. To achieve this, the plant is undergoing modernization:

• Installation of battery assembly line (partner - CATL).
• Green Certification ISO 14001.
• Construction of charging infrastructure for testing.

Expected price - from 20,000,000 tenge (including government subsidies).

🛠️ Where to service ŠKODA assembled in Kazakhstan?

Cars assembled in Kostanay can be serviced:

• At official dealerships ŠKODA in any country of the EAEU (guarantee is valid).
• In certified services that have an agreement with ŠKODA AUTO Kazakhstan.

⚠️ Attention: When servicing in unofficial workshops, you risk losing your warranty. This is especially true for work with electronics and transmission.

🚗 Is it possible to take ŠKODA from Kazakhstan to Russia?

Yes, this is possible without paying duties thanks to the EAEU agreement. To do this you need:

1. Buy a car from an official dealer in Kazakhstan.
2. Obtain a PTS of international standard.
3. Register the car with the Russian State Traffic Safety Inspectorate (a sales contract and a customs declaration will be required, but no duty will be charged).

Registration period is up to 10 days.