New GM Uzbekistan Alliance to Support Continued Growth of Automotive Industry

As part of the GM Uzbekistan Alliance, UzAvtosanoat and GM will continue their commercial relationship to manufacture Chevrolet and Ravon vehicles and engines in Uzbekistan, and distribute, market and sell them in domestic and designated export markets.

Since 2007, both UzAvtosanoat and GM have doubled automotive production capacity in the country, supported the development of the local supply chain, invested heavily in building skills and capability of employees; and delivered high-quality vehicles to customers in Uzbekistan and export markets.

Both UzAvtosanoat and GM agree that this progression of the business reflects the changes in the industry and local capability over the past 10 years. Advancing the relationship from a joint venture to the GM Uzbekistan Alliance will deliver a more independent Uzbekistan national automotive industry.

The parties will have new approved product programs. Under the GM Uzbekistan Alliance, the parties will also consider the expansion of exports of vehicles in the CIS and other new markets. The Alliance will allow continued access to GM automobile technologies and know-how.

Under the new alliance, UzAvtosanoat will take full ownership of the vehicle business immediately and powertrain over time, including the Ravon brand for GM products sold in export markets. UzAvtosanoat will continue to manufacture and sell Chevrolet vehicles domestically, which will remain the foundation of the business, as it seeks to expand Ravon exports to new markets.

“Given the maturing of the industry, now is the right time to evolve to a new alliance. GM will remain in Uzbekistan and will continue to support the further development of the local automotive industry,” said Hector Villarreal, President and Managing Director GM Operations Uzbekistan.

Both companies confirmed that the transition to an alliance is not expected to impact employment or production levels at the vehicle assembly and powertrain operations. GM will continue to provide components to the vehicle assembly and powertrain operations in Uzbekistan and support the business and the industry in Uzbekistan beyond the transition to the alliance, under a new company, GM Advisory Services, which will focus on providing advisory and technical support.