Ankara Invites Automotive Giants: Türkiye’s Minister Urges German Carmakers to Solidify EV Investment
Türkiye’s Industry and Technology Minister, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, formally invited German automotive manufacturers to expand their production and R&D footprint in Türkiye, highlighting the nation's pivotal role in the future of electric and connected mobility.
Speaking at the German-Turkish Automotive Summit in Berlin, Minister Kacır presented Türkiye as a "reliable, competitive, and long-term partner" necessary for Germany's shifting industrial landscape. He stressed the opportunity for German firms to become a "centerpiece of emerging mobility opportunities" by leveraging Türkiye's predictable investment environment, advanced industrial infrastructure, and qualified human resources.
"The strong and historical partnership between Türkiye and Germany offers a unique opportunity to turn global changes into shared success," Kacır stated, noting that over 8,000 German-capitalized firms currently operate within Türkiye's borders.
Statistical Strength and Strategic Location
The Minister backed his appeal with recent economic data underscoring Türkiye's manufacturing prowess:
- Production Hub: Türkiye holds an annual vehicle production capacity of 2.2 million vehicles. The country is currently ranked as Europe’s top producer of commercial vehicles and buses, and fourth overall in total automotive production.
- Export Power: The automotive sector recorded a significant $37.2 billion in exports in 2024 (a period cited in the Minister's speech), demonstrating its deep integration into global—and especially European—supply chains.
- FDI Magnet: Global automotive brands have collectively invested an estimated $20 billion in Türkiye’s automotive industry since 2000. In a broader context, Türkiye ranked 4th in Europe for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) attractiveness in 2023, attracting 375 projects, according to the EY Europe Attractiveness Survey.
Kacır also emphasized Türkiye's crucial geographic advantage, noting that the country's strategic location and free trade agreements provide tariff-free access to the EU Customs Union and markets encompassing a 1 billion population.
Leading the Charge in E-Mobility
A key component of Türkiye’s pitch is its commitment to the electric vehicle transition, symbolized by its national electric vehicle brand, Togg.
Minister Kacır asserted that Togg is not merely a domestic brand but is "positioned to be preferred in Europe’s most advanced markets for its technology and quality." Togg recently debuted in the German market, aligning with Türkiye’s goal to lead in next-generation mobility technologies.
This ambition is supported by infrastructural growth: Türkiye has expanded its EV charging network to 36,000 connection points, signaling readiness for mass EV adoption. Furthermore, the country has successfully attracted other major players, such as the Chinese EV giant BYD, which announced a significant investment for a production facility in western Türkiye, reinforcing the nation's growing role as a crucial EV manufacturing hub for the European continent.