Kazakhstan hosted the Great Wall Motor International Automotive Summit in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time, DKNews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan accounts for more than 50% of GWM’s total sales in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kazakhstan has for the first time become the venue for one of the key events of the regional automotive industry - the Great Wall Motor (GWM) Asia-Pacific International Summit 2025. The event brought together more than 100 representatives from Asian and CIS countries, including China, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan.
The summit took place in Almaty from October 28 to 29. It was organized by Great Wall Motor (GWM) International together with the official GWM distributor (representing the Haval and TANK brands) in Kazakhstan - part of Astana Motors. The program included presentations of new models and technologies, strategic sessions, a visit to the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan plant, and test drives of new vehicles.
Among the distinguished speakers from GWM headquarters who arrived in Kazakhstan were:
- Mr. Parker Shi – President of GWM International,
- Mr. Liu Bao – General Manager of the GWM Technology Center,
- Mr. Richard Zhu – Chief Engineer of Hybrid Systems at GWM,
- Ms. Carol Tian – General Manager of GWM Asia Pacific,
- Ms. Wang Weiwei – Marketing Director of GWM International.
Parker Shi, President of GWM International:
“It is a great honor for us to welcome our partners and regional representatives here in Kazakhstan. The Asia-Pacific region plays a key role in GWM’s global strategy, and holding this summit in Almaty highlights Kazakhstan’s growing importance as an automotive hub and logistics center in the region. Kazakhstan accounts for more than 50% of GWM’s total sales in the Asia-Pacific, making it a cornerstone of our regional strategy,” said Parker Shi.
He emphasized that Kazakhstan is a country with a rapidly growing economy, a young audience, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
“Together with our partner Astana Motors, this year we launched car production in Kazakhstan. This marks a shift from the model of ‘selling cars in Kazakhstan’ to the model of ‘producing cars in Kazakhstan and exporting them to other countries,’” Mr. Shi stated.
He also noted that Kazakhstan’s diverse climate, terrain, and driving conditions make it an ideal testing ground for new technologies, including the advanced Hi4 hybrid system.
“Although internal combustion engine vehicles still dominate the market today, the share of hybrids and electrified models is growing rapidly. We aim to lead this trend by offering safe and intelligent solutions. All new GWM models will be equipped with the Hi4 system — one of the most advanced hybrid technologies in the world. We plan to conduct real-world testing and adaptation of the Hi4 hybrid system, winter packages, and anti-corrosion solutions in Kazakhstan to ensure GWM vehicles fully meet the needs of local customers,” added Mr. Shi.
One of the upcoming new models for Kazakhstan – Haval H6 FL
According to the company’s plans, within the next 18 months, three brand-new models, one updated flagship, and two facelifted vehicles will be introduced in the Asia-Pacific market. The lineup will include gasoline, diesel, and hybrid versions - from family SUVs to premium off-road vehicles.
As for Kazakhstan, in the coming years, GWM plans to open flagship brand spaces in Almaty and Astana and implement initiatives such as the “Tank Off-Road Academy,” “Haval Family Day,” and “Service Elite Training Center.” These projects aim to build strong emotional connections with customers, partners, and professionals.
In addition, it was announced that the Kazakh language will soon be integrated into GWM’s multimedia and voice control systems.
“As President of GWM International, I personally oversee the implementation of these programs. Our goal is to strengthen GWM’s reputation as the most reliable and respected Chinese automotive brand in the region, together with our Kazakh partners, customers, and the media,” concluded Parker Shi.
Visit to the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan Plant
It has been five years since GWM entered the Kazakh market. During this time, the company has strengthened its position - the local distribution network has built a system of 50 Haval and TANK dealerships in 20 cities across Kazakhstan, including Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, and other regional centers, selling over 30,000 vehicles.
In autumn 2025, production of popular Haval models was localized at the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan plant, resulting in lower prices for Haval Jolion, H5, H6, H9, and M6 models, making the brand’s vehicles even more accessible to customers.
Robotic welding at the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan plant
“GWM became the first Chinese automaker in the Astana Motors portfolio. In 2021, we signed a distribution agreement and sold 1,200 vehicles that year. This year, our sales will exceed 15,000 units, with a 7.2% market share. The brand is now among the top five automotive brands in Kazakhstan, competing for fourth place. These results have allowed us to start Haval production at the Astana Motors Manufacturing Kazakhstan plant in September 2025, and from mid-November, we plan to begin test production of TANK vehicles,” said Beknur Nesipbayev, CEO of Astana Motors.
Beknur Nesipbayev, CEO of Astana Motors
Participants of the summit had a unique opportunity to be the first to see and test-drive new GWM models not yet available on the Kazakh market. Guests appreciated the new technologies and designs and learned about the brand’s development roadmap for the coming years.
Off-road testing of the TANK 700 Limited Edition and TANK 500 Black Edition SUVs
At the conclusion of the GWM Asia-Pacific Summit, an award ceremony was held to honor regional partners. Kazakhstan emerged as the leader by number of awards, confirming its status as the brand’s key regional market.
The Kazakh distribution network received the Volume Performance Award for the highest sales volume in the region.
Among the awarded Kazakh dealers were GWM Astana Crystal — recognized as one of the best dealerships in the region; Haval Al-Farabi — for outstanding customer service; GWM Kostanay and GWM Karaganda — for dynamic sales growth; GWM Aktobe and GWM Ekibastuz — for improving customer loyalty and regional brand promotion; as well as GWM Astana MyCar, GWM Astana Nurly Zhol, and Luxcar/Haval Qalqaman — for service quality and operational efficiency.
“Holding the summit in Kazakhstan is a recognition of our country’s contribution to the development of the GWM brand in the Asia-Pacific region and a high evaluation of the entire Kazakh team’s work. We are proud that GWM Kazakhstan’s distribution results have gained international recognition and set an example for our partners in other countries. This award motivates us to keep moving forward — to strengthen the brand’s position, enhance service quality, and expand Kazakhstan’s export capabilities as part of GWM’s global mission,” said Eduard Kuznetsov, Director of GWM Distribution in Kazakhstan.
Award ceremony for the official GWM distributor in Kazakhstan
Strong results were also shown by partners from Uzbekistan, who received the Growth Driver Award for expansion and development. Other award recipients included dealers Goodwell Service, ADM-Aster, Haval Sergeli, Haval Jizzakh, Haval Urgench, and ADM Haval Fergana — recognized for distribution growth, sales performance, and after-sales excellence.
Partners from Georgia (New Authorized Partner) and Azerbaijan (Brand Loyalty Award) were also honored for their significant contributions to expanding GWM’s presence in their markets.
The results of the summit highlighted Kazakhstan’s leading role and the professionalism of Astana Motors’ network, which ensures GWM’s sustainable growth in the region and sets quality standards for the entire Central Asian automotive market.
