The Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the ceremony launching the Chevrolet Onix production, DKNews.kz reports.
The official start of the semi-knocked down (CKD) production of Chevrolet Onix cars at the Allur plant in Kostanay was given with the participation of Kanat Sharlapaev, the Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as top managers from General Motors and UzAuto.
The project aims to produce 30,000 vehicles per year. Investments amounted to 33.7 billion tenge, creating 400 new highly skilled jobs.
In 2022, an agreement was signed with General Motors to organize CKD production of Chevrolet in Kazakhstan. Then, on December 22, 2022, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, initiated the project's implementation via a telebridge.
Kanat Sharlapaev, the Minister of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that mechanical engineering is a strategically important sector for Kazakhstan's economy and that industrial cooperation with a leading global manufacturer would spur the dynamically developing automotive industry of the country.
«Today is a very important day for Kazakhstan's entire production! I would like to particularly thank the factory workers; today, your hands are creating Kazakhstan's industrial future. For us and for our colleagues from General Motors, further production growth and deeper localization are very important» Kanat Sharlapayev
Leading suppliers of technological solutions and industrial equipment were involved in implementing the project.
In producing the Chevrolet Onix, robotic laser welding technology will be used, ensuring high-quality and high-precision laser weld overlays, meeting General Motors' quality standards.
Currently, construction is underway for a plastic painting workshop, which will feature a high level of process automation through the use of modern robotic equipment. Additionally, work is being done to establish the country's first Localization Center for auto component production.
«We have managed to increase production to 50,000 vehicles per year. Kazakhstan now ranks seventh worldwide in terms of Chevrolet market size. This is a testament to our successful partnership» Shilpan Amin, President of General Motors International
