17.07.2025

Kia Sonet and ADM Global: Investment of nearly $260 million in localization of Uzbekistan's automotive cluster

Uzbekistan continues to actively develop its automotive industry. Strategic partnerships with international brands and large-scale investments in automotive assembly production are creating a solid foundation for deepening localization and technological growth in the industry. One of the main driving forces in this process is the ADM Global group of companies, which is implementing a comprehensive strategy to create high-tech production and attract global partners. As a result of such steps, the country is increasingly attracting the attention of international investors, forming new industrial clusters and confidently strengthening its status as a regional automotive industry center.

Kia Sonet: Industrial production in Uzbekistan

The ADM Jizzakh plant, part of the ADM Global group of companies, has become the main localization site, where industrial-scale (CKD) production of the Kia Sonet model began in March 2024.

The total amount of investments in the project is 258.9 million US dollars.

Of which:

• 112.8 million US dollars - direct investments;
• 146.1 million US dollars - attracted funds.

The design capacity of the CKD line is up to 100,000 cars per year.

An additional result is the creation of an automotive components cluster on the plant's basis.

In addition to the Kia Sonet, the enterprise assembles cars of the Kia, Chery, Haval and Hyundai Truck & Bus brands using SKD technology. Since the launch of the production site in 2021, more than 83,000 cars have been produced at ADM Jizzakh.

Financial Assistance

The project was financed by the leading banks of Uzbekistan - "Asakabank" JSC, "Uzmilliybank" JSC, "Uzsanoatqurilishbank" JSC, "Ipak Yuli" AITB, "InFinBank" JSC, as well as a number of international financial institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), "SAMURAI Co, Ltd," "Cargill, Inc," the International Development Association (IDA), and others.

These funds are aimed not only at developing production capacities, but also at creating affordable auto lending programs for end consumers.

The future plans

ADM Jizzakh continues to invest in expanding and deepening its production cycle:

• In the near future, production will be launched in the pressing and cataphoresis shops.
• The development of welding, painting and assembly areas will continue.
• Focus will be placed on reducing dependence on imported components and increasing the level of localization.

In addition, since the beginning of 2023, the ADM Global group of companies has made significant progress in attracting trade financing. The total amount of funds received from leading trading companies in China and Korea amounted to 134.5 million US dollars. These funds are aimed at developing sales operations and strengthening the holding's market position.

Also, it is expected that a joint venture with a large Japanese corporation will be announced soon, which will be the next step in the expansion strategy and open up new opportunities for business.

Conclusion

ADM Global is implementing a comprehensive strategy to establish high-tech production facilities and attract international partners. Thanks to such efforts, Uzbekistan is forming a stable investment climate, opening up opportunities for new industrial clusters, and confidently strengthening its status as a regional automotive industry center.