When Kazakhstan will have its own car and what it will be called — the minister's answer

Tengrinews.kz — Discussions regarding the launch of a domestic automotive brand continue in Kazakhstan, though concrete decisions on a future passenger car have yet to be finalized. Ersayin Nagaspaev, Minister of Industry and Construction, shared an update on the project's current status.
During a briefing, journalists questioned the minister on the name of the Kazakhstani brand, the proposed location for the plant, the required investment volume, and whether the vehicle would indeed be developed based on the Malaysian Proton.
Nagaspaev replied that while negotiations are underway, the project remains in the development phase. The brand name, production site, and investment figures have not yet been determined.

"We do not have clear information regarding Proton. It appears this project is still being studied. Yes, negotiations are ongoing; we are aware of that. However, there are no specifics on Proton yet," the minister said.

According to Nagaspaev, establishing a proprietary automotive brand remains a key objective for the Kazakhstani auto industry. However, he noted that not every country with a developed automotive manufacturing sector possesses its own domestic brand.
The minister added that companies are continuing talks with potential partners, and the Ministry of Industry and Construction stands ready to provide support.

"We cannot name a specific brand that will serve as the foundation. Extensive and ongoing negotiations are certainly taking place between companies. We are confident there will be a result in the near future," Nagaspaev stated.

Furthermore, the country's first domestic brand may emerge in the bus manufacturing sector rather than passenger cars.

"It was reported at today's meeting that the Astana brand, developed by Kazakhstani engineers, will be launched this year. This will be a proprietary brand produced at the Almaty plant. Therefore, we already have our first result in the bus segment," the minister announced.

The Baiterek holding company previously discussed the potential production of a passenger car under a Kazakhstani brand. In February, Rustam Karagoishin, Chairman of the Board, announced that a memorandum had been signed with the Malaysian company Proton.
According to him, the parties discussed the formation of a joint venture, the localization of auto component production, as well as the future brand and model name. No final decisions had been reached at that time.