Electric vehicles
As Central Asian nation embraces EVs, unofficial dealers undercut brands
A BYD Song SUV: The Chinese automaker and its peers are growing in Uzbekistan and beyond, but face a tough endurance test. (Source photos by AP and Reuters)
SELINA CHENG
October 21, 2025 13:07 JST
HONG KONG — Salavat Rashit Magazov, a biotech engineer from Uzbekistan, plans to buy a BYD Song SUV for $19,000, even though he could purchase a Chevrolet Lacetti that is up to $10,000 cheaper. «A BYD is incomparably better equipped,» he said. «A Chevy is a Chevy. It’s all right, it works. BYD is luxurious.»
