For the years of independence, automobile industry has become an important segment of the economy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Today, automotive industry of the republic - it's dozens of companies, uniquely equipped to manufacture products at the highest international standards.

The demand for them grows every year not only in Uzbekistan but also abroad. For local population, domestically manufactured cars are not just means of transportation, but a source of income for their families. The development of the automobile industry leveled up the economy to a higher level.

From the very beginning of the automobile industry formation, special attention has been paid to the production of spare parts in Uzbekistan, that fostered the development of this branch of economy and gave a powerful impetus to the expansion of opportunities in many spheres of the economy as a whole. The Localization program envisages the establishment of numerous enterprises focusing on production of parts and accessories.

The establishment of GM Powertrain Uzbekistan by Uzavtosanoat and General Motors in pursuance of the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated 16 December 2008 has become and important step in country's dynamic development. It is the second joint venture between an American corporation and the Uzbek automobile industry.

One joint venture GM Uzbekistan has already been successfully operating in Uzbekistan since October 2007. GM Powertrain's charter fund is $100 million, where 52% belong to GM and 48% - to Uzavtosanoat. The main purpose of the project is deepening automobile production localization by organizing the production of modern engines.

The joint venture launched the construction of the plant in Zangiota district on the basis of Tashkent motor plant. The joint venture will be producing 1.5 and 1.2 liter power units such as DOHC, the expected manufacturing capacity of 360,000 units a year. Out of them, 135,000 will be manufactured for the domestic market, 225,000 - for the exports.

Total cost of the project is $568.9 million, where $52 million were invested by the foreign partner, $298 million are own funds, $62 million were invested by the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 156.9 million were loaned by commercial banks of Uzbekistan.

Totally, $353.6 million were utilized as of 1 My 2011. The object design has been completed, the production equipment, assembly and test stations by leading manufacturers of USA, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, UK have been installed. Moreover, 120 foreign experts from such companies as Lotus Engineering, Daewoo Engineering, Unsang (South Korea), Aikom, Durr (Germany), Coma (France), Veil (US) take part in installing the equipment.

415 types of equipment (machining center lines of the cylinder heads, crankshafts, rod-car part of the restoration of sand and others) were installed. Company infrastructure organization is also underway.

Object external communications: railway, water, gas, sewerage and communications have also been supplied. The construction of the hull and motor foundry, fire station, training center has been completed, fire reservoirs, drinking water tanks have been prepared.

Much attention is paid to staff training to work in the joint venture. For this purpose, 120 graduates of seven specialized colleges were selected to undergo training to operate machinery and equipment. 65 of them were trained at similar plants of GM company in the US, South Korea and India.

The launch of production is scheduled for November this year. Part of the power units will be exported to Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt and other countries. In the opinion of competent professionals, the successful implementation of the project will bring the level of localization of GM Uzbekistan's production up to 90%, and create more jobs.