Mercedes to Mazda: cars as an economic and political indicator
There is a surprising diversity of cars in Kazakh cities. They range from refurbished German and Japanese cars to Soviet era Lada. Strong economic growth has lead to a surge in car ownership and when visiting a community cars are a quick indicator of the economic vitality of the community.
Andrei, an ethnic Russian from Taldykorgan, is a new breed of automobile entrepreneurs:
“I travel to Germany where I buy used German cars then drive them to Kazakhstan where I fix them in my workshop. Then I resell them on the automarket in Almaty”.
He explains how these cars are preferred to new Russian models (less so in the North) and that they are more affordable than new foreign cars. “I have just purchased a flat bed truck with my German partner to bring cars to Kazakhstan”, he speaks of the solid market for refurbished cars.
The Kazakh government is open to the importing of used cars despite the significant bribes paid to border officials. For whatever reason they turn a blind eye even though they possess the authority to limit this flow.
Overall, the issue of cars gives a sense of Kazakhstan as a legitimate free market economy.
on June 20th, 2006 at 4:38 pm
It is a social pressure too - you are not authoritative enough if you don’t own Mercedes 600
on July 12th, 2006 at 10:17 pm
I stumbled across your blog while I was doing some online research. I believe the reasons why people buy particular brands of cars or favor cars made by particular countries are complex and often deeply personal, and, thus, are often difficult to gauge.
on January 19th, 2007 at 11:58 am
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on July 2nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Denmark, 02.07.07Denmark, 02.07.07
Dear Sir,
Perhaps you can help us.
We are a Danish cardealer. We selling lot used cars.
Especially, Toyota and old Mercedes cars.
Do you have a Internet portal in Kazakstan where we can sell our cars or other places where we can advertise our used cars?
We have over 500 pcs. used cars for sale to Kazakstan.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
We are direct Sellers. No Brokers between.
Best regards
ORNDRUP BILER
Ålandsvej 1-3
8800 Viborg
Denmark
Phone: 45 86 62 10 40
Fax: 45 86 62 10 21
E-mail: oerndrupbiler@mail.dk
Claus Orndrup - manager
Mobil phone: 45 40 57 41 00