Chevrolet Rolls Out in Kazakhstan

Chevy will make its maiden appearance this week at the Astana Motor Show, rolling out its Captiva SUV, Epica sedan and Lacetti compact models. The vehicles will be assembled from kits supplied by GM's South Korean manufacturing facility and distributed in Kazakhstan by Azia Avto, GM's local partner.

Chevy said it will assemble just 1,500 units this year, with double that number expected in 2008. Annual vehicle sales in Kazakhstan exceeded 60,000 for the first time in 2006 and are expected to increase to 250,000 within five years.

"Kazakhstan has a prosperous future," said Chris J. Lacey, executive director GM Central and Eastern Europe. "There is plenty of opportunity to extend General Motors' activities and model [sic] offer in Kazakhstan."

Or, as Borat would say, "Dziekuje."