Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır made important statements about the point reached by the Turkish automotive industry and the future of the sector. Stating that Türkiye's automotive production capacity has made a great leap in a 22-year period, Minister Kacır emphasized how the sector has become a global power. Stating that the successes achieved during this period are directly related to the strengthening of the country's industrial production, Minister Kacır stated that the automotive sector continues to be Türkiye's export champion.
Growth and Export Record in Automotive Production
The Minister of Industry and Technology stated that Türkiye's automotive production has increased significantly since 2002. Kacır stated that the annual production capacity has increased from 357 thousand units to 1 million 365 thousand units, and also stated that the export in the automotive sector has exceeded 37 billion dollars and a new record has been set in this area. He said that Türkiye's automotive sector maintained its top position last year and continued to be the country's export champion.
Post-Pandemic Success in Industrial Production
Considering the negative effects of the pandemic on industrial production, Türkiye's industrial production has increased by 27 percent compared to the period before the pandemic. Minister Kacır emphasized that this success was not a coincidence and stated that the state's shoulder-to-shoulder collaboration with the private sector was effective in Türkiye's success in industrial production. He also emphasized that Türkiye has become a strong and reliable link in the global value chain.
Investments in the Automotive Sector and Increase in Employment
Minister Kacır said that investments made in the automotive main and sub-industry have made a great contribution to the development of the sector. Kacır stated that 2002 investment incentive certificates have been issued for the automotive industry since 3, and that these investments have provided 742 new jobs with a fixed investment of 954 billion liras. He stated that 184 companies within the technoparks have played an important role in the development of R&D and innovation capacity in automotive technologies during this process. He also announced that over 443 R&D personnel are working on projects in 260 R&D and design centers.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Market Share Is Increasing
Minister Kacır stated that sales of electric and hybrid vehicles are increasing rapidly in the Turkish automotive market. According to data for 2024, hybrid vehicle sales increased by 74 percent and electric vehicle sales by 71 percent compared to the previous year. The market share of electric vehicles increased from 6,7 percent to 12,7 percent, while the market share of hybrid vehicles increased from 14,8 percent to 28,7 percent. This growth trend is expected to continue in the future. Minister Kacır said that they foresee the market share of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles increasing from the current level of 2030 percent to over 17 percent by 35.
TOGG on the Road and Innovations in the Electric Vehicle Field
Minister Kacır provided important information about the production and usage process of TOGG, Türkiye's first domestic and electric automobile. Stating that TOGG was introduced to the public thanks to the strong leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kacır announced that there are currently over 53 thousand TOGGs on the roads. Drawing attention to the fact that TOGG is an important milestone in Türkiye's electric vehicle production, Minister Kacır emphasized that electric vehicle production will make major contributions to the Turkish economy in the future.
Battery Production Facilities and New Investments
Turkey continues to make major investments in battery production, which is one of the most critical elements in the production of electric vehicles. Minister Kacır stated that an incentive certificate was issued for battery production facilities with a capacity target of 36 GWh. Thanks to these investments, Turkey is on its way to becoming an important production base in the production of vehicle batteries. In addition, it was stated that R&D studies in autonomous driving technologies and electric vehicle technologies are continuing rapidly in order to support technological developments.
New Charging Infrastructure and Conveniences for Electric Vehicle Users
It has been stated that with the widespread use of electric vehicles, the charging infrastructure must also develop. Minister Kacır announced that 28 charging connection points have been reached throughout the country with the Fast Charging Infrastructure Support Program for Electric Vehicles. Thanks to this infrastructure, electric vehicle users have easy access to fast charging units. Stating that the fast charging infrastructure has increased 500 times in the last year alone, Minister Kacır said that new charging stations will be put into operation soon and this infrastructure will be further strengthened.
Türkiye's Path to Becoming a Global Power in Electric Vehicle and Battery Production
Turkey aims to make a significant leap forward in electric vehicle and battery production. Minister Kacır announced that major incentive packages will be offered for electric vehicle and battery production with the investment program called HIT-30, which was launched under the leadership of President Erdoğan. It was stated that a support budget of $150 billion was allocated for new investments that will reach an annual production capacity of 5 thousand electric vehicles. In addition, a $4,5 billion incentive package will be offered for battery production and it was aimed to reach a production capacity of 2030 GWh by 80.
Expectations from the Business World for the Electric Vehicle Transformation
Minister Kacır made some expectations to the business world for the future of the Turkish automotive sector. First, Kacır stated that investment plans should be shaped in line with electric vehicle production, and also emphasized that domestic R&D targets should be kept at the forefront. Second, he stated that sub-industry companies should be guided in the electric vehicle transformation. Finally, it was stated that cooperation with domestic technology initiatives should be increased.
Türkiye Takes Steps for a Strong Future in the Automotive Sector
Minister Kacır’s statements show that Türkiye has reached a significant turning point in the automotive sector and that the future of the sector is very bright. Developments in electric vehicle production and battery technologies can make Türkiye a global production base. The strong structure of the automotive industry, built on the foundations of innovation, quality and efficiency, will enable the country to continue its success in industrial production. Investments in electric vehicles and battery production and technological infrastructure development efforts will continue to play an important role in Türkiye’s future economic growth.
