UzAuto Motors (formerly GM Uzbekistan) is an
automotive manufacturer
The automotive industry comprises a wide range of companies and organizations involved in the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and selling of motor vehicles. It is one of the world's largest industries by revenue (from 16 % such a ...
owned by the
Government of Uzbekistan
The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( uz, O'zbekiston Respublikasining Hukumati/Узбекистон Республикасининг Ҳукумати) exercises executive power in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The members of the government ...
. It is based in
Asaka, Uzbekistan
Asaka ( uz, Asaka/Aсака; russian: Aсака) is a city and the administrative center of Asaka District in eastern Uzbekistan, located in the southeastern edge of the Fergana Valley near Uzbekistan's border with Kyrgyzstan.
Asaka underwent rap ...
. It manufactures vehicles under the
marques Chevrolet
Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM). Louis Chevrolet (1878–1941) and ous ...
and Ravon, which is Uzbek for calm and straight road or easy journey.
It was formerly partly owned by
General Motors
The General Motors Company (GM) is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is the largest automaker in the United States and ...
and, in 2019, it was acquired by the Uzbekistan Government and renamed "UzAuto Motors". The company announced its intention to IPO in 2022.
History
The company was founded in 1992 between the Uzbek state-owned UzAvtosanoat and the South Korea-based
Daewoo
Daewoo ( ; Hangul: , Hanja: , ; literally "great universe" and a portmanteau of "dae" meaning great, and the given name of founder and chairman Kim Woo-choong) also known as the Daewoo Group, was a major South Korean chaebol (type of conglomerat ...
, and was initially known as "Uz-DaewooAuto" (
Uzbek: ).
The company began production of vehicles on 19 July 1996, at the new assembly plant in
Asaka.
[
Uz-DaewooAuto produced vehicles under the brand name Uz-Daewoo.][ The initiative to establish the Uzbek automobile industry goes back to the early 1990s and the administration of ]President of Uzbekistan
The president of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( uz, Oʻzbekiston Respublikasining Prezidenti, Ўзбекистон Республикасининг Президенти) is the head of state and executive authority in Uzbekistan. The office of Pre ...
Islam Karimov
Islam Abduganiyevich Karimov ( uz, Islom Abdugʻaniyevich Karimov / Ислом Абдуғаниевич Каримов, italics=no; russian: link=no, Ислам Абдуганиевич Каримов; 30 January 1938 – 2 September 2016) was t ...
.
Following Daewoo's collapse in 2001, and resulting change of ownership, "GM Uzbekistan" was eventually established in March 2008 as a new replacement joint venture
A joint venture (JV) is a business entity created by two or more parties, generally characterized by shared ownership, shared returns and risks, and shared governance. Companies typically pursue joint ventures for one of four reasons: to acces ...
, and the Nexia and Matiz were sold under the Chevrolet
Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the American manufacturer General Motors (GM). Louis Chevrolet (1878–1941) and ous ...
badge together with an extended range of GM Korea
GM Korea Company ( ko, 한국지엠주식회사) is the South Korean subsidiary of multinational corporation General Motors. GMK is also the third largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo Motors ...
Chevrolet models produced at the Asaka factory.
Daewoo was acquired by General Motors
The General Motors Company (GM) is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is the largest automaker in the United States and ...
and became GM Daewoo
GM Korea Company ( ko, 한국지엠주식회사) is the South Korean subsidiary of multinational corporation General Motors. GMK is also the third largest automobile manufacturer in South Korea. GM Korea's roots go back to the former Daewoo Motor ...
. Subsequently, the facility was renamed "GM Uzbekistan" in 2008. The joint venture
A joint venture (JV) is a business entity created by two or more parties, generally characterized by shared ownership, shared returns and risks, and shared governance. Companies typically pursue joint ventures for one of four reasons: to acces ...
was owned by UzAvtosanoat JSC (75%) and General Motors
The General Motors Company (GM) is an American Multinational corporation, multinational Automotive industry, automotive manufacturing company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is the largest automaker in the United States and ...
(25%). GM Uzbekistan produced 106,334 units during the first half of 2011.
Given the change in name and ownership, the model range changed, although the company continued producing Uz-Daewoo branded vehicles until 2015. Some models based on these are still sold as Chevrolets.
GM Uzbekistan began production on 27 November 2008. The first assembled car on this day was a Chevrolet Lacetti
The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car manufactured and marketed globally by GM Korea since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon, styled by Pininfarina—and five-door hatchback styled b ...
which also was the 1,000,000th assembled vehicle out of the production from UzAvtosanoat. Chevrolet manufactured the Chevrolet Spark M300 in Asaka, a model for now intended only for export. The models are assembled as knock-down kit
A knock-down kit (also knockdown kit, knocked-down kit, or simply knockdown or KD) is a collection of parts required to assemble a product. The parts are typically manufactured in one country or region, then exported to another country or region ...
s.
Following an agreement in 2008, "GM Powertrain Uzbekistan" opened an engine plant in Tashkent
Tashkent (, uz, Toshkent, Тошкент/, ) (from russian: Ташкент), or Toshkent (; ), also historically known as Chach is the capital and largest city of Uzbekistan. It is the most populous city in Central Asia, with a population of ...
, from GM Uzbekistan's vehicle manufacturing facility in Asaka, in November 2011. The factory is GM's first engine plant in Uzbekistan and has a production capacity of 225,000 1.2L and 1.5L Daewoo S-TEC engine
S-TEC or M-TEC is a low-displacement engine range co-developed by Suzuki and Daewoo Motors for use in micro and subcompact cars.
S-TEC
The first model was SOHC straight-three engine based on the powerplant of the Suzuki Alto.
In 2002, the ran ...
s per year for use in GM small passenger cars worldwide.
Another plant produced 200,000 units of front- rear- and side windows for the vehicles of the Uz-DaewooAvto and the Chevrolet Lacetti. A third production facility was opened in 2014 in Pitnak
Pitnak ( uz, Pitnak / Питнак) is a city in Xorazm Region, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan (, ; uz, Ozbekiston, italic=yes / , ; russian: Узбекистан), officially the Republic of Uzbekistan ( uz, Ozbekiston Respublikasi, italic=yes / ; ru ...
, Khorezm Region
Khorazm Region (, خارەزم ۋىلايەتى, ), is a viloyat (region) of Uzbekistan located in the northwest of the country in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River. It borders with Turkmenistan, Karakalpakstan, and Bukhara Region. It co ...
, manufacturing the Damas/Labo microvans and the Chevrolet Orlando
The Chevrolet Orlando is a three-row compact MPV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand since 2011. The first-generation model was mainly developed and manufactured by GM Korea, while also assembled in four other countries. Its ...
minivan.
In 2010, about 5,000 people were employed at the GM Uzbekistan assembly plant. GM Uzbekistan sold 121,584 vehicles locally in 2011, making the country the eighth-largest market for Chevrolet and produced more than 225,000 vehicles. Its products are also exported to Russia
Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a List of transcontinental countries, transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and North Asia, Northern Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, largest country in the ...
and other CIS
Cis or cis- may refer to:
Places
* Cis, Trentino, in Italy
* In Poland:
** Cis, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, south-central
** Cis, Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, north
Math, science and biology
* cis (mathematics) (cis(''θ'')), a trigonome ...
countries.
In 2012, the Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive ...
and the Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Toyota-based Geo/Chevrolet Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe a ...
were added to the production line,[ followed by the revised ]Daewoo Gentra The Daewoo Gentra is an automotive nameplate used by the South Korean automobile brand Daewoo. The marque has utilized the "Gentra" name on two different vehicles—a subcompact model sold in South Korea between 2005 and 2011—and a compact car off ...
model in 2013, the Chevrolet Orlando
The Chevrolet Orlando is a three-row compact MPV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand since 2011. The first-generation model was mainly developed and manufactured by GM Korea, while also assembled in four other countries. Its ...
in 2014, and the Chevrolet Nexia T250 in 2015.
In 2019, the Government of Uzbekistan
The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan ( uz, O'zbekiston Respublikasining Hukumati/Узбекистон Республикасининг Ҳукумати) exercises executive power in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The members of the government ...
acquired the company and renamed it "UzAuto Motors".
In 2020, UzAuto began importing the Chevrolet Equinox, Trailblazer, Traverse, and Tahoe SUVs, with intent to produce them locally if there is sufficient demand. UzAuto phased out the Ravon brand in 2020, merging it back into the Chevrolet brand as the Chevrolet Spark (R2), Nexia (R3), Cobalt (R4), and Lacetti (R5/Gentra).
In April 2021, the company announced plans to produce Chevrolet-branded vehicles for the Russian market.
In August 2021, Bo Andersson was named chief executive officer
A chief executive officer (CEO), also known as a central executive officer (CEO), chief administrator officer (CAO) or just chief executive (CE), is one of a number of corporate executives charged with the management of an organization especially ...
of the company.
Since 2022, the company ceased exports to Russian and Belarus markets due to international sanctions. Ukrainian exports were temporarily stopped due to logistical limitations.
In October 2022, the company announced its intention to IPO on the domestic market. In late November the company announced it's pricing. Ths IPO will be one of three "People's IPOs" planned by the government in the next couple of years. In 2022, Fitch Ratings upgraded the company's rating to "BB-, Outlook Stable".[https://www.fitchratings.com/research/corporate-finance/fitch-upgrades-jsc-uzauto-motors-to-bb-outlook-stable-13-12-2022#:~:text=Fitch%20Ratings%20%2D%20Barcelona%20%2D%2013%20Dec,Long%2DTerm%20IDR%20is%20Stable.]
Currently produced models
*Chevrolet Damas
The is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the passenger van versions were renamed as the . In Japan, the Carry and Every are ''kei cars'' but the Suzuk ...
(1996–present)
*Chevrolet Labo
The is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the passenger van versions were renamed as the . In Japan, the Carry and Every are '' kei cars'' but the Suz ...
(1996–present)
*Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark ( ko, 쉐보레 스파크, translit=) is a city car manufactured by General Motors's subsidiary GM Korea from 1998 to 2022. The vehicle was initially developed by Daewoo and was introduced in 1998 as the Daewoo Matiz ( ko, 대 ...
''(previously Ravon Spark/R2)'' (2010–present)
*Chevrolet Cobalt
The Chevrolet Cobalt is a compact car introduced by Chevrolet in 2004 for the 2005 model year. The Cobalt replaced both the Cavalier and the Toyota-based Geo/Chevrolet Prizm as Chevrolet's compact car. The Cobalt was available as both a coupe a ...
''(previously Ravon Cobalt/R4)'' (2013–present)
*Chevrolet Lacetti
The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car manufactured and marketed globally by GM Korea since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon, styled by Pininfarina—and five-door hatchback styled b ...
''(previously Ravon Gentra/R5)'' (2003–present)
* Chevrolet Nexia 3 ''(previously Ravon Nexia/R3)'' (2015–present)
*Chevrolet Tracker The Chevrolet Tracker is an automotive nameplate that has been used by Chevrolet
Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the ...
(2018–present)
Currently imported models
* Chevrolet Malibu - 9th generation (2017–present)
* Chevrolet Trailblazer 2nd generation (facelift) (2020–present)
* Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon - fifth generation (2020–present)
* Chevrolet Equinox - 3rd generation (facelift) (2020–present)
* Chevrolet Traverse - 2nd generation (facelift) (2020–present)
Formerly produced models
*Daewoo Tico
The Daewoo Tico is a city car produced by the South Korean automaker Daewoo from 1991 to 2001.
Overview
The Daewoo Tico was based largely on the 1988 Kei car Suzuki Alto. The car was equipped with a three-cylinder 796 cc S-TEC engine -up ...
(1996–2001)
*Daewoo Nexia
Daewoo ( ; Hangul: , Hanja: , ; literally "great universe" and a portmanteau of "dae" meaning great, and the given name of founder and chairman Kim Woo-choong) also known as the Daewoo Group, was a major South Korean chaebol (type of conglomera ...
(N100, 1996–2008)
* Daewoo Nexia II (N150, 2008–2016)
*Chevrolet Epica
Epica or EPICA may refer to:
* Epica (band), a Dutch symphonic metal band
* ''Epica'' (Kamelot album), 2003
* ''Epica'' (Audiomachine album), 2012
* The European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA)
* The Epica Awards (International Adver ...
(2008–2011)
*Chevrolet Orlando
The Chevrolet Orlando is a three-row compact MPV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand since 2011. The first-generation model was mainly developed and manufactured by GM Korea, while also assembled in four other countries. Its ...
(2014-2018)
* Ravon Matiz R1 (2001-2018)
*Chevrolet Captiva
The Chevrolet Captiva is a compact crossover SUV marketed by General Motors under their Chevrolet marque. The first generation was developed by GM Korea, based on the GM Theta platform and derived from the S3X concept car revealed in 2004. Relea ...
(2008–2018)
*Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive ...
(2013–2018)
Gallery
Currently produced cars
File:2010 Chevy Spark LS (4359987176).jpg, Ravon Spark R2
File:'12 Chevrolet Aveo Base.JPG, Ravon Nexia R3
File:Ravon R4.jpg, Ravon Cobalt R4
File:Ravon Gentra.jpg, Ravon Gentra R5
File:Chevrolet_Damas_Deluxe_in_Bukhara,_front_right.jpg, Chevrolet Damas
The is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the passenger van versions were renamed as the . In Japan, the Carry and Every are ''kei cars'' but the Suzuk ...
File:Chevrolet CMP LS Bahamas.jpg, Chevrolet Labo
The is a kei truck produced by the Japanese automaker Suzuki. The microvan version was originally called the Carry van until 1982 when the passenger van versions were renamed as the . In Japan, the Carry and Every are '' kei cars'' but the Suz ...
File:20161112 Chevrolet Trax 01.jpg, Chevrolet Tracker The Chevrolet Tracker is an automotive nameplate that has been used by Chevrolet
Chevrolet ( ), colloquially referred to as Chevy and formally the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors Company, is an American automobile division of the ...
File:Chevrolet_Tracker_2021_(front)_(cropped).png, Tracker 2019
Discontinued models
File:Daewoo Tico vl.jpg, Daewoo Tico
The Daewoo Tico is a city car produced by the South Korean automaker Daewoo from 1991 to 2001.
Overview
The Daewoo Tico was based largely on the 1988 Kei car Suzuki Alto. The car was equipped with a three-cylinder 796 cc S-TEC engine -up ...
File:Daewoo Nexia.JPG, Daewoo Nexia 1, Daewoo Nexia 2
File:2006-2011 Chevrolet Captiva LS wagon (2015-12-28) 01.jpg, Chevrolet Captiva I
File:2008 Chevrolet Epica (V250) LS sedan (2016-01-07).jpg, Chevrolet Epica
Epica or EPICA may refer to:
* Epica (band), a Dutch symphonic metal band
* ''Epica'' (Kamelot album), 2003
* ''Epica'' (Audiomachine album), 2012
* The European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA)
* The Epica Awards (International Adver ...
File:Chevrolet Rezzo front 20071109.jpg, Chevrolet Tacuma
File:Шевроле Лачетти.JPG, Chevrolet Lacetti
The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car manufactured and marketed globally by GM Korea since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon, styled by Pininfarina—and five-door hatchback styled b ...
File:Chevrolet Orlando LT 1.8 – Frontansicht, 31. März 2011, Mettmann.jpg, Chevrolet Orlando
The Chevrolet Orlando is a three-row compact MPV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand since 2011. The first-generation model was mainly developed and manufactured by GM Korea, while also assembled in four other countries. Its ...
File:Daewoo Matiz.jpg, Ravon Matiz R1
File:Chevrolet Captiva LTZ 2.2 D 4WD (Facelift) – Frontansicht, 18. März 2012, Wuppertal.jpg, Chevrolet Captiva II
File:2013_Chevrolet_Malibu_Eco_1SA_--_02-29-2012_1.JPG, Chevrolet Malibu
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet from 1964 to 1983 and again since 1997. The Malibu began as a trim-level of the Chevrolet Chevelle, becoming its own model line in 1978. Originally a rear-wheel-drive ...
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gm Uzbekistan
2008 establishments in Uzbekistan
Car manufacturers of Uzbekistan
Chevrolet
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan (, ; uz, Ozbekiston, italic=yes / , ; russian: Узбекистан), officially the Republic of Uzbekistan ( uz, Ozbekiston Respublikasi, italic=yes / ; russian: Республика Узбекистан), is a doubly landlocked cou ...
GM Korea
General Motors joint ventures
Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 2008
Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1992