New Kia plant in Kostanay is ready to launch

A Kia vehicle plant with an annual capacity of 70,000 cars, originally scheduled to begin operations in October 2025, is now ready to launch, according to Kumar Aksakalov, the governor of the Kostanay region. He made the announcement during a meeting with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Akorda, the official residence and workplace of the president.

«The president received Governor of the Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov… Among the major projects in the region is the Kia plant with an annual capacity of 70,000 cars and 1,500 new jobs once launched, as well as the KamlitKZ truck drive axle production facility, involving 160.5 billion tenge (approximately $298 million) in investment and creating 550 jobs,» the Akorda said in a statement.

In September 2024, CEO of Kia Qazaqstan Kim Dae Ki informed Tokayev that the new plant would be fully operational by October 2025.

The first test vehicle was expected to roll off the production line in July 2025, with the Kia Sorento chosen as the first model for serial production, followed by an updated Sportage in January 2026.

Construction of the facility began in October 2023. It was designed to be equipped with 70 robotic systems across the welding, coating and assembly lines. The project’s estimated cost was $200 million, with 80% financed through direct foreign investment. The plant is expected to create 1,500 new jobs.

A localization center will also be built near the plant to produce car components such as bumpers, seats, flooring, ceilings and exhaust systems. Previously, Kia had been working to attract global spare parts and component suppliers.

According to Khabar TV channel, around 3,000 Kia vehicles are expected to be released by the end of 2025.