ASTANA – KIA Motors recently opened Kazakhstan’s largest dealership in the capital. The 2,800-square metre facility on Turan Avenue, the major highway leading to the airport, is the company’s eighth dealership in the nation.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between [South] Korea and Kazakhstan, cooperation between our countries has been steadily growing. The growing popularity of the KIA brand in the state’s automobile market is possible thanks to the active and fruitful work of BIPEK AUTO – AZIA AVTO holding, which acts not only as an exclusive dealer but also as a local producer and demonstrates mutual understanding and a high level of trust between business representatives of both countries. This level of cooperation is an example and a guide for other companies just starting joint steps,” said South Korean Ambassador to Kazakhstan Kim Dae-sik at the opening ceremony.
KIA Motors is one of the world’s five largest automakers, demonstrating the highest growth rates among the leading players in the global automotive industry. The company has 14 plants in five countries, annually producing more than three million cars sold in 180 nations. KIA vehicles are currently available in 19 Kazakh cities where BIPEK AUTO – AZIA AVTO operates dealerships.
South Korea’s largest automaker became Kazakhstan’s third technology partner in the domestic car industry after AZIA AVTO began production of a full range of 14 KIA models at its Ust-Kamenogorsk plant. Together with the company, Kazakhstan also made a test step in electric vehicle production, as in late 2014 the KIA Soul EV became the first electric vehicle manufactured in the country. The compact crossover was successfully tested in the severe capital winter.
More than 52,000 Kazakh citizens have become KIA owners in the last seven years. The auto maker occupies a leading position among the top three locally-assembled brands.
“More than seven years ago, AZIA AVTO launched the production of almost all models of KIA and our company became the exclusive representative of KIA Motors in the state’s market. Today, KIA occupies a strong place in the top three brands produced in Kazakhstan and is one of the most popular among Kazakhstan citizens. I am sure that the opening of the capital’s auto centre will become an important reason for many residents to choose KIA,” said BIPEK AUTO Kazakhstan capital branch director Bakyt Satpayev.
