The foundation of Turkey’s automotive industry dates back to the early 1960s. During a period of rapid industrialization and progress, this key sector transformed itself from assembly-based partnerships to a full-fledged industry with design capability and massive production capacity.
Between 2000 and 2017, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) invested USD 14 billion in their operations in Turkey. These investments significantly expanded their manufacturing capabilities, which in turn led Turkey to become an important part of the global value chain of international OEMs. Meeting and exceeding international quality and safety standards, today’s Turkish automotive industry is highly efficient and competitive thanks to value-added production.
Significant growth posted by Turkey’s automotive sector led to Turkey becoming the 14th largest automotive manufacturer in the world and 5th largest in Europe by the end of 2017.
Turkey has already become a center of excellence, particularly with respect to the production of commercial vehicles. By the end of 2016, Turkey was the number one producer of light commercial vehicles (LCV) in Europe.
Proven as a production hub of excellence, the Turkish automotive industry is now aiming at improving its R&D, design, and branding capabilities. As of the end of 2017, 132 R&D and design centers belonging to automotive manufacturers and suppliers were operational in Turkey.