Electric vehicle (EV) production at the BYD Uzbekistan Factory, a joint venture backed by largest EV manufacturer in the world BYD Auto of China, has been inaugurated by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Uzbek presidency has announced.
The completion of the first phase of the $160mn project will enable annual output at the factory in central-east province Jizzakh to reach 50,000 EVs.
Equipped with machinery and robotic systems from China, the plant also boasts a state-of-the-art laboratory for precision testing of vehicle dimensions.
Currently, the plant produces the Chazor and Song Plus Champion models.
Mirziyoyev signed the first electric car to roll off the assembly line.
Future plans include expanding the range of models and increasing production capacity.
The second phase, costing $300mn, aims to shift manufacturing up to 200,000 EVs per year.
The third phase, with an additional investment of $500mn, will boost production to 500,000 EVs annually.
Alongside vehicle production, the factory will work on developing local manufacturing of required parts.
Initial efforts will focus on bumpers, glass and plastic components, with plans to establish new enterprises for producing batteries, electric motors, aluminium parts, tyres and seats.
Currently employing 1,200 people, the plant's workforce is expected to grow to 10,000 once all three phases are completed.
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