FROM SOVIET LEGACY TO GLOBAL IDENTITY: THE BRAND STRATEGY OF UZAUTO MOTORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17446688Keywords:
UzAuto Motors, Branding Post-Soviet Transformation Uzbekistan Brand Identity Glocalization Case studyAbstract
This study explores the brand transformation of UzAuto Motors, a leading Uzbek automotive manufacturer,
from its Soviet legacy as UzDaewooAuto to its current identity as a national and globally aspiring brand. Using a
qualitative case study approach, the research analyzes how UzAuto Motors has redefined its brand through ownership
restructuring, visual rebranding, consumer engagement, and international expansion. Thematic analysis of company
documents, media content, and consumer feedback reveals five strategic branding pillars: localization, modernization,
trust-building, glocalization, and innovation. The findings highlight how brand strategy in transitional economies serves
not only commercial goals but also national identity formation. A SWOT analysis further illustrates the firm’s brand position
and future challenges in the global market.
References
M. Akbar and F. Al-Marhubi, “Branding national identity in emerging economies: The case of automotive SOEs,” Journal
of Brand Strategy, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 155–173, 2023, doi: 10.1057/jbs.2023.005.
K. Dinnie and E. Sevin, “Nation branding in the post-Soviet context: Challenges and opportunities,” Journal of Place
Management and Development, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 121–138, 2020, doi: 10.1108/JPMD-07-2019-0060.
D. B. Holt, How Brands Become Icons: The Principles of Cultural Branding. Harvard Business Press, 2004.
R. Iyer, S. Suroso, and M. Gracheva, “Glocalization as a dynamic strategy: Evidence from emerging market firms,”
Journal of International Business Studies, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 77–95, 2023, doi: 10.1057/s41267-022-00514-9.
K. L. Keller and V. Swaminathan, Strategic Brand Management, 5th ed. Pearson, 2021.
V. Kumar and W. Reinartz, Customer Relationship Management: Concept, Strategy, and Tools, 3rd ed. Springer, 2021.
B. Nguyen and L. Simkin, “Branding emerging markets: Transformations and trajectories,” International Journal of
Market Research, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 88–104, 2023, doi: 10.1177/14707853221126126.
OECD, Uzbekistan: Economic Outlook and Industrial Performance. Paris: OECD Publishing, 2023.
F. Pecot, P. Valette-Florence, and D. Merunka, “Heritage, branding, and consumer nostalgia in post-socialist contexts,”
Journal of Business Research, vol. 145, pp. 112–124, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.02.046.
R. Robertson, Globalization: Social Theory and Global Culture, Updated ed. Sage, 2020.
M. Salim and C. Liew, “Glocal branding strategies of post-Soviet companies: Between authenticity and competitiveness,”
International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 89–107, 2022, doi: 10.1108/IJOEM-08-2021-1147.
M. Shah and M. Ahmad, “Branding in state-owned enterprises: Institutional influence and strategic alignment,” Asian
Journal of Management Studies, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 67–83, 2021.
Statista, “Uzbekistan – Automotive consumer behavior trends,” 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com
R. Rahman and T. P. Nguyen, “Emotional branding and state-owned enterprises in transitional markets,” Asia Pacific
Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 33, no. 4, pp. 1123–1142, 2021, doi: 10.1108/APJML-04-2020-0268.
R. K. Yin, Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, 6th ed. Sage, 2018.