In the last couple of years, we have been facing the radical changes of the political and technological spheres in the automotive industry too. Within the next few years, we will see that the use of fossil fuels will be replaced by electric vehicles and systems will be integrated with renewable energy resources.
The Turkish automotive industry has made significant progress, particularly in the last five years, as Ford, Tofaş, Hyundai and Toyota have increased their production capacities by 100,000-120,000 annually. As a result, it has become an industry that can produce 1.6 million vehicles a year, increasing its production capacity by 60% in total. This successful growth of the automotive industry with all its dynamics, has meant that it has proven itself from the perspective of the country’s capabilities. In the last couple of years, we have been facing the radical changes of the political and technological spheres in the automotive industry too. Within the next few years, we will see that the use of fossil fuels will be replaced by electric vehicles and systems will be integrated with renewable energy resources. Additionally, we are approaching periods of change and transformation in which “low cost” will no longer be attractive. Indeed, with developments such as Industry 4.0, a new period for our industry has begun, in which the focus is on productive, high-quality and sustainable production. This period brings with it unknowns, as well as new opportunities for our industry. With the experience and knowledge it has gained in the automotive industry over a long period, we are sure that in the new period our country will turn potential risks into opportunities. Really, R&D and innovation should be among our priorities. Comprehensive test laboratories and centers are a must, not only for OEMs, but also for suppliers. In order to be competitive, innovative movements should be followed. In addition, strategic moves such as making it possible to produce imported raw materials and semi-finished goods in Turkey will pave the way for the success of the industry. In this regard, the focus should be on the use of the local resources, the creation of added value, and applications involving high technology. We can see the direct effects of the development of technology both on vehicles, which are the final products, and on production technologies. A serious differentiation has started due to the change in both the production technologies and the systems on vehicles. With the influence of technology, radical changes have taken place in areas such as safety, comfort, communication, digitalization and customization, and these are no longer luxury preferences or options, but needs. This rapid technological transformation and change also gives rise to a brand new competitive environment. Players that are able to adapt to this transformation and change in the automotive industry will be the ones that survive.