Malibu replaces Mercedes-Benz as PM’s official car

Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov has replaced his official Mercedes-Benz vehicle with a locally-made Malibu. The information was confirmed by the Prime Minister's press secretary, Bekzod Hidoyatov, in response to an inquiry by QALAMPIR.UZ.

According to the statement, during a video conference on March 7, Abdulla Aripov instructed all officials to cease using foreign-made official vehicles immediately.

“Our President’s instructions must be carried out without question—there is no room for debate. Some are suggesting implementing this by March 20 or April 1. No, that won’t do. If the President has given a directive, we must act on it promptly. This is the government’s primary responsibility,” the Prime Minister emphasized during the video conference.

Bekzod Hidoyatov noted that currently, all government ministries, agencies, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the administrations of provinces and Tashkent city have switched to using locally-produced vehicles for official purposes.

For instance:

• Senate Chairwoman Tanzila Norboyeva and Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismoilov now use Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles.
• Deputy Prime Ministers use Malibu cars.
• Regional governors utilize Tahoe or Traverse vehicles for official purposes.

It was also mentioned that previously used vehicles will be sold progressively through an E-auction electronic platform.

Note: On March 5, during an extended meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts and future priorities, it was emphasized that officials must significantly reduce the use of official transport, switching to domestically manufactured vehicles and furniture.