Chinese new energy vehicles (NEVs) have gained traction in Kazakhstan, with BYD, China's top NEV manufacturer, seeing rapid sales expansion after entering the market earlier this year.
In downtown Almaty, BYD has set up a flagship store, attracting families and auto-lovers to check their latest models.
Among the visitors were Adil and Alibek, two well-known online influencers in Kazakhstan, who were impressed by the made-in-China vehicles.
"I like the philosophy of BYD. They are number one in the market. Their mission is to decrease Earth's temperature by 1 degree. I had a test drive, and it went very smoothly, comfortably and technologically advanced," said Adil.
"The price is good for this level of quality. We want more electric cars. I was looking for a car for my dad, and I think I've made my choice. It's going to be BYD," said Alibek.
Currently, in Kazakhstan, traditional vehicles still take the majority of the market. However, with a favorable government policy to promote NEV adoption to 15 percent by 2030 and the rising public awareness of green transition, the demand for new energy vehicles is on the rise.
BYD is also actively engaging in the process, launching infrastructure projects to facilitate NEV adoption.
"Kazakhstani people are now buying more and more electric and hybrid cars. Also, we are developing infrastructure. The company is building charging stations across the city," said Anton Kush, Director of BYD Kazakhstan.
Taking advantage of the emerging NEV trend, BYD is gaining momentum in Kazakhstan. Since it officially entered the Kazakhstan market in February, BYD has been launching models tailored to the country's tough climate and road conditions.
The Almaty showroom opened in early 2025 and is expected to sell more than 300 cars annually, reflecting the vitality of the Chinese brand.
"The future is here. BYD ranks among the top 10 in sales. We started operations in January, so we're quite new in this market. But in May, we sold 30 percent more than in April," said Kush.
Chinese NEVs gain traction in Kazakhstan
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
