Turkey's Domestic Vehicles: TOGG and Automotive Giants

A Half-Century Dream: From Devrim Car to Global Export Giant

The adventure of the Turkish automotive industry is actually a story of "defiance" against impossibilities. The "Devrim" car, produced from scratch in just 129 days at the Eskişehir railway factory in 1961 with the limited means of the time, although it could not go into mass production, was the first major spark proving the "we can do it" belief and engineering genius of the Turkish nation.

The excitement of mass production that started with Anadol in 1966 gained an industrial identity with the establishment of modern facilities of Tofaş and Oyak Renault factories in the 1970s. However, the real "turning point" for the sector was the Customs Union agreement in 1996. Contrary to the concerns of "Local industry will collapse against giants" at that time, the Turkish automotive sector raised quality standards to European levels in seconds, transforming from a domestic market-focused structure to a "world market-focused" technology hub. Today, Turkey hosts factories that rank among the top 5 in the world when it comes to automotive quality.

TOGG: More Than a Car, a Smart Mobility Device

Turkey's 60-year longing for a domestic car has been realized with a completely different vision at the technology campus in Gemlik, which houses Europe's cleanest paint shop. Togg distinguishes itself from its competitors by defining itself not as a traditional car factory but as a "mobility technology company."

The T10X model, which has started mass production, offers a much larger interior space, a lower center of gravity, and balanced driving dynamics compared to its competitors converted from internal combustion vehicles to electric ones, thanks to its all-electric platform. The Siro battery factory, established right next to the facility in Gemlik, which is the most critical part of the Togg ecosystem, is a strategic move that makes Turkey not only a vehicle producer but also the energy and battery production center of the region. The T10F (Sedan/Fastback) model, which will hit the roads in 2025, will be the brand's biggest asset in its export targets in the European market.

Tofaş and the Egea Legend: The "Game-Changing" Success of Turkish Engineering

The Tofaş factory in Bursa is considered one of the most efficient production centers among hundreds of Stellantis group facilities worldwide, holding the "Golden Factory" title. However, seeing Tofaş as just a production line is a big misconception; it hosts one of the largest R&D centers of the Stellantis group.

The Fiat Egea (known as Tipo in Europe), which has held the title of the best-selling model in the Turkish market for years, was developed under the leadership of Turkish engineers from the idea stage to design, engine calibration, and production line. The project, launched with the slogan "Game-Changing," became the most reliable business partner of both large families and high-capacity company fleets with its sedan, hatchback, cross, and station wagon body types. Low maintenance costs and high second-hand value make Egea the undisputed leader in the rental sector.

Tofaş has completed its preparations for the new generation light commercial vehicle project coded "K0" under the new agreement with Stellantis. With this move, the new generation commercial vehicles of Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, and Fiat brands will be produced in Bursa, and Turkey's export capacity will increase by billions of dollars.

Ford Otosan: The Heart of Europe's Commercial Vehicles Beats in Kocaeli

The Ford Otosan facilities in Kocaeli are Ford's largest commercial vehicle production and design center outside of America. The Gölcük and Yeniköy factories have been the homeland of the Transit family, which has carried the burden of global trade for decades. However, what brings this place to the world's agenda today is hosting Europe's largest electric commercial vehicle transformation.

The E-Transit, produced in Turkey and exported worldwide, is the most critical and locomotive player in Ford's electrification strategy in Europe. Additionally, under the historic "Ford-VW Alliance" with the Volkswagen Group, Volkswagen's legendary new generation commercial models (Transporter/Caravelle) are now produced in Kocaeli, with the labor and expertise of Turkish workers and engineers. This situation is the most concrete, billion-dollar proof of the trust in Turkey's global production discipline and quality standards.

Toyota Sakarya: The World's Hybrid and PHEV Production Hub

Toyota Automotive Industry Turkey, operating in Sakarya, has received multiple "Best Factory" awards from Japan for being one of the facilities that best implement the brand's "Zero Defect" and "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) principles worldwide. It is the global production center of the Corolla Sedan, which holds the title of the world's best-selling car, and the C-HR model, which has shaken the SUV world with its futuristic design.

The most strategic feature of the Sakarya factory is its title as Toyota's first Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) car and first battery production facility in Europe. While the PHEV version of the new generation C-HR is exported from Turkey to every corner of Europe with advanced battery technology, the factory's use of 100% renewable energy in production elevates the sustainability vision of Turkey's automotive industry to the highest level.

Renault's Game Plan in Turkey

Under the "International Game Plan 2027" announced by Oyak Renault, the Bursa factory has been transformed into a global hybrid engine and SUV production center. Alongside the Clio, which has been the leader of the European market for years, the New Duster model, expected to dominate the SUV market, is now produced in Bursa. The Bursa facility, with a capacity to produce over 300,000 vehicles annually, is one of the strongest links in the Renault world.

Hyundai's Gateway to Europe

The Hyundai Assan factory in Izmit is the sole production house for the brand's small and compact models for all of Europe. This success story, which started with the i10 and i20 models, now continues with the Bayon model, which breaks the mold in the crossover segment. Over 90% of the vehicles produced in Izmit are exported to Europe, providing billions of Euros in foreign exchange income to the Turkish economy.

The Sector's Eyes and Ears are on Ankara: New Generation ÖTV Reform and Incentives

The biggest growth barrier in front of the Turkish automotive market is the high tax rates focused on engine capacity that have been applied for years. However, the European Green Deal processes and Turkey's 2053 "Net Zero Emission" commitment now make a radical paradigm shift in the tax system a necessity. Here are the expected change signals:

• ➔ Emission-Based New Taxation: The current ÖTV system based on engine capacity (cc) is expected to be gradually replaced by a system determined by the amount of carbon emitted into the atmosphere (rewarding environmentally friendly vehicles, taxing polluters). This situation will particularly lower the price of Hybrid and Fully Electric local models.
• ➔ Local Production and Technology Incentives: To maintain the market share of models produced in Turkey, especially Togg, supportive moves such as low-interest loan packages or additional tax reductions in corporate leasing are at the forefront of the 2025-2026 projections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Production Vehicles (FAQ) ❓

Are vehicles produced in Turkey of the same quality as those in Europe?

Yes, and often even better. The car factories in Turkey (e.g., Toyota Sakarya, Ford Kocaeli) have repeatedly received "Best Production Facility" awards in the brands' global networks. A vehicle exported from Turkey to Europe and one offered to the domestic market comes off the same line, at the same standards.

How does renting a local vehicle affect maintenance costs?

Local production vehicles (such as Egea, Corolla, Clio) are the models with the most widespread service network across Turkey. Since their spare parts are supplied from local factories, they are 30-40% more affordable than imported vehicles. This is reflected in rental prices; renting a local vehicle is the most economical choice both in monthly payments and operational processes.

Is it possible to rent a Togg?

Yes, Togg T10X models have now started to take their place in corporate and individual rental fleets. At LenaCars, we offer special packages for our customers who want to experience these vehicles with local and national technology. You can test the comfort of an electric vehicle with the confidence of local production.

Which commercial vehicles are produced in Turkey?

Turkey is a commercial vehicle paradise. The Ford Transit and Custom series are produced in Kocaeli, the new generation of Fiat Doblo and its sibling Stellantis group commercial vehicles are produced in Bursa, and Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks are produced at the Aksaray factory. Renting these vehicles for your business ensures operational continuity.

How successful are local hybrid vehicles in fuel savings?

Especially the Toyota Corolla and C-HR models produced in Sakarya can reduce fuel consumption to 3.5 - 4.5 liters in city traffic. These self-charging systems are excellent options that amortize rental costs with fuel savings, especially for company vehicles that travel a lot.