Chery and BYD have selected cities for their factories in Turkey
Chinese automakers Chery and BYD have chosen the cities for their investments in Turkey. These two major companies will make their automotive production investments in Manisa and Samsun.
On his return from an Asian tour, President Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane, stating that two Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers would establish factories in Turkey. He also mentioned that the investments would be made in Manisa and Samsun. After this announcement, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır revealed which manufacturer would invest in which city during a live broadcast.
"TWO CHINESE COMPANIES WILL BUILD FACTORIES IN TURKEY" Without naming the brands, President Erdoğan stated that two Chinese automakers would build factories in Turkey: "We know how successful Asian countries, especially China, are in the electric vehicle sector. We have reached an agreement with a Chinese company. They are planning to establish a factory in Manisa. We signed the deal in Istanbul, at Dolmabahçe. Another Chinese brand is planning to build a factory in Samsun. The works are ongoing, and our Minister of Industry and Technology, Fatih Kacır, is following up on this. Both of these brands are major global players. The production of these vehicles in Manisa and Samsun will bring a fresh momentum to Turkey's automotive sector. We are determined to continue the success of TOGG in the domestic market and maintain this momentum in the automotive industry. Through TOGG, Turkey is telling the world: 'We are here, we are strong.'"
"BYD HAS ALREADY ESTABLISHED ITSELF IN MANISA"
In the live broadcast, Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır revealed the brands and cities for the investments. Kacır said, "We are focusing on future technologies, not past ones, and staying ahead of our competitors. Eight global brands are manufacturing in Turkey. Some countries have been in production for 50 years. We will continue to strongly support everyone investing in Turkey. We will prioritize investments in new vehicle production. A major change has occurred through China. 60% of the world's electric vehicles were sold in China. Of the 17 million electric vehicles, 11 million were sold in China. Of the 56 million electric vehicles, 30 million were sold in China. BYD produced 3 million vehicles in 2023. They will produce 4.4 million vehicles in 2024, and they employ 1 million people. We have held discussions with BYD, MG, Chery, and Zeeker. The investment will be similar to those in other countries. BYD is already in Manisa, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is completed, and the investment has started. There are no delays. This is a 1 billion dollar investment, and a factory capable of producing 150,000 vehicles, as well as an R&D facility, will be established."
"CHERY WILL INVEST IN SAMSUN"
"Our goal is to attract the second investment project to Samsun after completing this one. We are in serious talks with Chery about Samsun. They also see that Turkey is a country that moves in a planned way. We expect their capacity to be at least as high as BYD's. The investment amount will also be close to BYD," he said.
