Volkswagen and the Jetta brand have officially entered the Uzbekistan market, marking a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s global export strategy. This initiative represents the first time Volkswagen Brand China has been fully responsible for managing vehicle exports to markets outside of China. The project launch ceremony was held on June 17 during an international forum in Tashkent.
Dr. Robert Cisek, CEO of Volkswagen Brand China, stated, “Exports are a key strategic goal for Volkswagen Brand China. Uzbekistan is the first step in our plan to tap into high-growth markets with products manufactured in China. By leveraging our footprint in China and our deep integration into the local supply chain, we can provide strong support for the brand’s global growth strategy. Through long-term, incremental investment, we will precisely meet the market demands of other regions and bring high-quality, innovative products to new customer groups.”
Uzbekistan, with a population exceeding 38 million, is one of the fastest-growing automotive markets in Central Asia. Since 2021, annual local vehicle sales have more than doubled, surpassing 461,000 units in 2025. To capitalize on this opportunity, Volkswagen plans to establish a retail network of 13 dealerships in the country by 2026, expanding to 24 by 2028. With a competitive product lineup and a rapidly growing sales network, Volkswagen aims to capture a significant market share within three years of entering the Uzbekistan market.
In the initial phase, Volkswagen will focus on exporting complete vehicles. The product lineup 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 features to meet the diverse mobility needs of Uzbek consumers.
Furthermore, Volkswagen plans to strengthen its presence in Uzbekistan through phased local production. This strategy is expected to provide tariff advantages, ensure regulatory compliance, and facilitate scalable growth. Volkswagen will partner with Uzbekistan’s Alyans Auto to launch Semi-Knocked Down (SKD) production in Tashkent by the end of 2026. The local plant is planned to have an annual capacity of 20,000 vehicles. The first phase of the project will create 200 jobs, with plans to provide over 3,000 employment opportunities in a potential second phase. Additionally, Volkswagen intends to implement comprehensive employee training programs, including instructor qualification training based on global Volkswagen standards, as well as production, technical, and product training.
Following its entry into the Uzbekistan market, Volkswagen is evaluating further export opportunities to introduce China-developed models into emerging markets not yet covered by the brand, with a focus on regions increasingly aligning with Chinese technical standards. Priority areas include ASEAN countries, the CIS region, and South American markets.
