President Erdogan says Turkey will be the largest production center of electric vehicles

In a speech he made at the Ford Otosan future vision meeting held at the Presidential Complex, President Erdogan said, “Turkey will be the largest production center of electric and connected commercial vehicles in the automotive industry of the future.”

The president noted he was very pleased to welcome the participants on the occasion of the ceremony of historical importance for the Turkish automotive industry. He added the agreement between Ford Otosan and Ford Europe would be another important step towards moving Turkey forward in global competition, transforming it into a center of technology and production.

Production capacity will increase to 650 thousand

Erdogan who stated that they provided all the necessary support by taking this strategic investment plan within the scope of project-based state aid and continued as follows:

“We continue to support all investors who produce on this land, provide employment, believe in the strength and potential of our country. Today’s signing ceremony is the best example of our state’s beleaguered and supportive attitude towards investments. Ford Otosan currently performs 25 percent of the automotive production and exports in Turkey, providing employment to our 12,500 people. This company plays a very critical role in the development of our country with a 70 percent domestic material rate and an export rate of up to 90 percent.

Ford Otosan introduces a big vision that will spread over 10 years with this investment to include research and development, export production and added value effect. This will enable the Turkish automotive industry to transform into a production center electric vehicles. When the project is completed, Ford Otosan’s production capacity of 440 thousand will increase to 650 thousand, Turkey’s leadership will be further riveted by commercial vehicles produced in Kocaeli and exported to Europe.”