Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 18 July 2022, UzAuto Motors launched mass industrial production of the Chevrolet Tracker 2023 model year.
The start of production at the company’s plant in the city of Asaka marked a new step in the development of the country’s automotive industry, since for the first time in Uzbekistan the production of a full cycle of a new class of cars - crossovers began.
Uzbekistan, after China and Brazil, became the third country to launch the production of the Chevrolet Tracker, which is in demand in export markets and has become the best-selling crossover in Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines. Production was established on the GM GEM (General Motors Global Emerging Markets) platform, which became possible thanks to large investments in the modernization of both the Asaka car plant itself and the modernization of the production facilities of local supplier partners, the total investment is estimated at more than US$620 million.
A phased transition to the production of cars on a single unified platform was implemented on behalf of the head of Uzbekistan as part of the program for transforming the production and management of the company. At this stage, the platform’s production capacity is 80,000 Chevrolet Tracker vehicles per year.
During the implementation of this project, new technologies such as laser and plasma welding, laser measurement of the body were mastered at the Asaka plant, as well as large-scale work was carried out to modernize the production processes of the plant and all component suppliers. In addition, the UzAuto Motors Powertrain plant mastered the production of new powerful and economical 1.2-liter CSS Prime 3-cylinder turbocharged engines, which will be used to equip Chevrolet Tracker cars manufactured at the UzAuto Motors plant. The new engine has become more powerful than the one used on Tracker cars imported from China - 132 hp. instead of 125 hp in the Chinese version
In order to further increase the level of localization, a program is currently being actively implemented to build new factories and introduce new production technologies for the production of plastic fuel tanks, steering belts, rubber seals, cast iron parts, hot stamping parts and other components.
The implementation of this program and the launch of new production facilities will allow launching the production of several models at once based on the GM GEM platform, which was used to launch production of the Chevrolet Tracker, as well as optimizing the amount of investment in projects, reducing production costs and achieving a localization level of more than 60%.
Moreover, in order to implement the entire program to introduce the new platform and launch the production of the Chevrolet Tracker 2023 model year, about 500 leading foreign specialists were additionally attracted to the plant in Asaka, who also take part in the launch of the production of components at localization enterprises.
At the first stage, the Chevrolet Tracker will be produced in three main trim levels: LS, LT and Premier. The start of sales of these cars is scheduled for 30 August.
Shavkat Umurzakov, Chairman of the Board of Uzavtosanoat JSC, spoke at the launch ceremony and congratulated the company’s employees on the start of production of the new model.
“Today we all witnessed a great event - UzAuto Motors became one of the first full-cycle manufacturers of such a modern car as the Chevrolet Tracker. And this is just the beginning. From now on, the company will further expand its production line with the most modern and popular cars. All this became possible thanks to the support of the leadership of our country, the comprehensive assistance of General Motors, and thanks to all of you - employees of the entire industry, including employees of Uzavtosanoat, UzAuto Motors, localization enterprises and many other related enterprises involved in the establishment of production " - said the head of Uzavtosanoat JSC Shavkat Umurzakov.
GM International Vice President for Global Procurement and Supply Chain Johnny Saldana, in his speech on behalf of General Motors management, congratulated the team on the start of production of the new model.
“The launch of the 2023 Chevrolet Tracker is the beginning of a new generation of vehicles on the GEM platform, which will be produced in Uzbekistan, and with a high level of components from local manufacturers, and sold in the markets of Uzbekistan and the CIS. As part of our commercial alliance, we were pleased to be able to provide technical support and share our expertise to ensure that GEM Tracker launches on time and flawlessly. We will continue to provide ongoing support for production and supply of parts,” said Johnny Saldana.
The guests present at the solemn ceremony had the opportunity to get acquainted with the production process and study the technical features of the car, and then a test drive was organized for them, the participants of which were able to experience all the advantages of the new Chevrolet Tracker on their own experience.
It is noteworthy that the launch of the production of a new car took place on the eve of the 26th birthday of the company, which is celebrated on 19 July, and became a kind of labor gift from the enterprise’s staff to motorists in Uzbekistan.
Chevrolet Tracker is in the popular segment of compact crossovers and combines the qualities most demanded by consumers: stylish design, safety, comfort, efficiency and economy.
The 2023 Chevrolet Tracker sporty crossover features a stylish design and modern interior, a new, powerful yet fuel-efficient GM-designed CSS Prime engine, and a combination of smart features and safety.
L-shaped LED daytime running lights give the car a modern look and enhance safety. The panoramic sunroof creates a feeling of spaciousness and freedom in the cabin.
The interior of the new Chevrolet Tracker has a high-tech and dynamic look, and is characterized by a modern and unique style.
Comfortable seats of a new design allow you not to feel tired even on long trips. Modern technical characteristics and composition of the equipment make driving a car even more enjoyable.