Toyota has begun complete knock-down (CKD) production of the Fortuner SUV at a production facility of Saryarka AvtoProm LLP (SAP) in Kazakhstan. This marks the start of production by Toyota in Central Asia. Around 3,000 units will be produced annually, and SAP has hired an additional 100 employees.

SAP's Kostanay plant is now the first production site for Toyota vehicles in Central Asia. The Fortuner is a body-on-frame SUV and is well suited to Kazakhstan's unique climate and multitude of challenging driving conditions.

Toyota says the start of production in Kazakhstan is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its business in emerging markets. The carmaker has begun localised production (CKD/SKD production) in a number of countries and regions. Production of the Fortuner began in Egypt in 2012, and assembly of the Land Cruiser began in the Russian Far East in 2013.

In the Indian market, the Fortuner takes on the likes of Hyundai Santa Fe and Mitsubishi Pajero.