The UzAuto Motors Powertrain plant hosted the official launch ceremony of its new foundry, specializing in the production of engine blocks using high-pressure die casting (HPDC) technology. This project marks a significant milestone in the development of the automotive industry, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening the position of domestic manufacturing.

These engine blocks will be used in the assembly of new CSS Prime engines for Chevrolet Onix and Chevrolet Tracker vehicles. Additionally, the company has established the export of 1.2-liter LIH engine blocks for CSS Prime engines to GM’s assembly lines in Ramos, Mexico. Under the signed contract, the company will export 20,000 engine blocks by the end of February 2025.

The new foundry encompasses all stages of aluminum processing: melting, high-pressure die casting (HPDC), painting, initial machining, and high-precision machining. Organizing the process of aluminum cylinder block casting and high-precision machining will enable the company to reduce annual import volumes by $24.7 million and decrease the overall production cost by $4.7 million annually.

In 2022-2023, UzAuto Motors Powertrain mastered the assembly and machining of CSS Prime 1.2 LIF naturally aspirated engines with a power output of 66 kW (89 hp) and turbocharged engines with a power output of 99 kW (131 hp). A total of $160 million was invested in the CSS Prime project, increasing the annual production capacity of internal combustion engines to 415,000 units.

The engineering support for the cylinder block localization project was fully provided by KS Huayu AluTech GmbH, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG (Germany) and Huayu Automotive Systems Co. Ltd. (HASCO, China).