Kazakh Truckers Know Their Rigs Inside Out

As a country spanning Asia and Europe, Kazakhstan is vast, with major cities often thousands of kilometers apart. With limited rail efficiency, highways are the backbone of domestic and cross-border logistics. Long-haul and international freight are the norm, exposing Kazakh truckers to a wider variety of trucks than you might expect—from second-hand European heavy-duty rigs to newer Chinese-brand models and even decades-old workhorses.

European trucks dominate in long-haul reliability and comfort, making Kazakh drivers—who frequently run cross-border routes—experts in their specs and performance, far more so than their Chinese counterparts. In heavy-duty dump trucks, older models are mostly KamAZ, while over the past decade, Chinese brands like Shaanxi Auto and Sinotruk have taken over the new-truck market. For road freight, used European trucks are still king, often in "tractor + semi-trailer" or "truck + center-axle trailer" combos, with curtain-sided trailers for quick loading.

Dealing with such a diverse fleet in tough long-haul conditions, Kazakh truckers have a down-to-earth, deep understanding of what makes a good rig.

Chinese Exhibitors Bring the Heat at Kazakhstan’s Commercial Vehicle Expo

From June 25-27, 2025, the Kazakhstan International Commercial Vehicle Expo went down at Astana’s Expo Center, featuring 160+ exhibitors from China, Kazakhstan, and beyond, showcasing everything from traditional to new-energy trucks and parts. The event targeted not just Kazakhstan but the entire Central Asian market, drawing serious attention from local gov agencies and trade groups, who welcomed Chinese automakers and parts suppliers to help boost fuel efficiency and cut emissions.

Chinese brands rolled out a full lineup—heavy-duty trucks, light trucks, buses, and vans—while parts suppliers displayed engines, lights, body panels, liftgates, and more.

JAC leveraged local production to showcase box trucks and aerial work vehicles, benefiting from gov procurement rules favoring locally made vehicles in sectors like police and sanitation. FAW Jiefang brought its J7 tractor and JH6 dump truck, Sinotruk covered multiple needs with its HOWO and SITRAK series, and Yutong—already the bus leader in Central Asia—flaunted its latest transit and coach models.

Among international brands, MAZ (a familiar name to older Chinese truckers) showed off buses and vans, while KamAZ highlighted its 4x2 and 6x2 tractors with stabilizer bars for better off-road comfort—proving its regional adaptability.

Behind the expo lies a massive opportunity in Central Asia’s aging fleet. The average truck in Kazakhstan is 12+ years old, with many dating back to the Soviet era. That spells huge potential for aftermarket parts and services, making it a key entry point for global players.

Kazakhstan’s Truck Market: Big Potential, Mixed Policies

Kazakhstan’s commercial vehicle market is fueled by its oil wealth. With an open fuel market and cheap diesel, diesel trucks dominate. Demand is strong too—mining, infrastructure, and urban upgrades keep logistics and specialty trucks in high demand, making Kazakhstan a key overseas market for Chinese brands.

But there’s a catch: Local protectionism means gov purchases (like sanitation trucks) often require local production. That’s why Hyundai leads in sweepers—they set up local plants early.

Facing this, Chinese brands are shifting from replacing used European trucks to playing by local rules—pushing localized production, tailored models, and stronger dealer networks. Lessons learned here could help them crack other global markets.

The Road to Legitimacy: How Chinese Brands Are Adapting

Kazakhstan’s truck market used to be wild, with dealers selling cheap, non-compliant rigs to grab share. But as regulations tighten, that game is over. The market’s unique too: Owners keep trucks longer, and 90% of freight is handled by small operators (unlike Russia’s big fleets). These owner-drivers baby their rigs—some even take off their shoes before driving—and prioritize comfort and durability.

Smart brands are adjusting. FAW Jiefang, for instance, now offers region-specific models and cross-border service networks, solving a major pain point for Central Asian haulers.

The payoff? FAW just scored a big CNG truck order in Uzbekistan, proving that when used European trucks fail on service, brands with local support are winning hearts—and reshaping how Chinese trucks go global.