BYD, Chinese rivals rise in Uzbekistan but can't outrun price war

As Central Asian nation embraces EVs, unofficial dealers undercut brands

20251016 Uzbekistan BYD

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

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."

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