Uzbekistan’s automotive market is expected to see an expanded segment of four-wheel-drive off-road SUVs: the localization process for producing the BAW 212 model is getting underway. According to the Vehicle Type Approval (OTTS) registered in the national certification system, the model will be assembled at the Asaka Motors production site. This was reported by upl.uzreports.
The documents clearly outline a phased rollout of the project: both China and Uzbekistan are listed as manufacturing countries. This means that finished vehicles will initially be imported from China, while a domestic assembly line will be launched at later stages. This sequence allows dealers to start sales sooner without waiting for the completion of technological setup.
The BAW 212 intended for the Uzbekistan market will be offered in a five-door body. The model will be equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine (218 hp) and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its off-road capability is enhanced by a part-time four-wheel-drive system and forced locking functions for the inter-wheel differentials — especially useful in mountainous areas and on challenging terrain.
Among experts, the BAW 212 is often referred to as a “Chinese UAZ.” This is due to its visual similarity, classic body-on-frame design, and historical roots: early versions were inspired by the engineering school of Soviet off-road vehicles. The arrival of such a model could increase pressure both on imported competitors and on specialized vehicles used by government agencies in hard-to-reach areas.
As of Tuesday, preparations to bring the model to market are ongoing. Investments planned for the Asaka Motors site are expected to strengthen industrial capacity and create new jobs — a direction typically supported by regional initiatives.
The original BAW BJ212, the predecessor of the modern BAW 212, was created in the 1960s on the instruction of Mao Zedong. It was based on GAZ-69 and UAZ-469 blueprints, and in subsequent decades it served as one of the main vehicles of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
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