Kazakhstan is the largest export market for Russian automakers. According to the Union of Automotive Industry Enterprises of Kazakhstan, Lada was the country’s second most popular automotive brand in 2020, with 17,453 vehicles sold. Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ravon rounded out the top 5 brands with vehicle sales of 10,081, 10,029, and 7,137, respectively.

To meet the needs of the growing local market, in the spring of 2021 AvtoVAZ launched a new Lada assembly line at the company’s plant in Kostanay, Kazakhstan. The Russian automotive manufacturer is relying on the AsstrA team to help export vehicle bodies and components that will be used for Kazakh production.

In April, the AsstrA corporate group organized a pilot shipment of 75 vehicle bodies from Russia to the Kostanay plant.

Denis Shushkevich

"Thorough planning and preparation for the project took two months. The top priority is guaranteeing cargo safety, so it took quite some time to test fastening methods for the bodies,”  says Denis Shushkevich, AsstrA Automotive Logistics Department Manager. “The first loads were a test of our capabilities and reliability, so it was critical that we execute strictly according to schedule. The client ordered delivery of 46 bodies from factory warehouses in Russia to the recipient in Kazakhstan within a specified time frame. In order to fulfill the stated requirements and guarantee the launch of the line, the AsstrA team promptly prepared 25 transport units," adds Denis Shushkevich.

The client appreciated the logistics team’s efficient service and entrusted AsstrA with regular deliveries for the next three years. Currently, every week 60 Lada vehicle bodies are being shipped to Kazakhstan for final assembly.