15.02.2025 12:10
The provinces where Chinese car manufacturers Chery and BYD will invest in Turkey have been finalized. Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced that the two major companies will make their automobile production investments in Manisa and Samsun.
During his return from the Asia tour, President Erdoğan, while answering questions from journalists on the plane, stated that two Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers would establish factories in Turkey. He also mentioned that the provinces where investments would be made are Manisa and Samsun. Following this announcement, the Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, revealed which manufacturer would invest in which province during a live broadcast.
"TWO CHINESE COMPANIES WILL ESTABLISH A FACTORY IN TURKEY"
Without naming the brands, Erdoğan indicated that two Chinese automotive giants would establish factories in Turkey, stating, "We know how successful Asian countries, especially China, are in the electric vehicle sector. Indeed, we have made an agreement with a Chinese company. They have plans to establish a factory in Manisa. We signed the agreements in Dolmabahçe, Istanbul. Another Chinese brand also has plans to establish a factory in Samsun. Work is ongoing in this regard, and our Minister of Industry and Technology, Fatih Kacır, is following up. Both are serious global brands. The production of these vehicles in Manisa and Samsun will bring a different atmosphere to the automotive sector in Turkey. We are determined to maintain the momentum in the automotive sector, which TOGG has achieved in the domestic market. Turkey is virtually calling out to the world with TOGG, saying 'We are here, we exist, and we are strong.'
"BYD HAS TAKEN ITS PLACE IN MANISA"
Finally, during the live broadcast he attended, Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced the brands and the provinces where investments would be made. Kacır stated, "We have moved ahead of our competitors by focusing on the technology of the future, not the past. Eight global brands are producing in Turkey. There are countries that have been producing for 50 years. We will continue to strongly support everyone who invests in Turkey. Let's bring new generation vehicle investments to Turkey. We will prioritize investments aimed at producing these models. A significant change has also emerged in the world, thanks to China. 60% of the electric vehicles sold worldwide were sold in China. Out of 17 million electric vehicles, 11 million were sold in China. Out of 56 million electric vehicles, 30 million were sold in China. BYD produced 3 million vehicles in 2023. In 2024, it produced 4.4 million vehicles and has 1 million employees. We have had discussions with BYD, MG, Chery, and Zeeker. It will be like Manisa. BYD has taken its place in Manisa, the environmental impact assessment report is complete, and investment has begun. There are no disruptions. A $1 billion investment will create a factory that will produce 150,000 units and an R&D facility.
"CHERY WILL INVEST IN SAMSUN"
Our goal is to secure the second investment in Samsun once we complete this. We are in serious dialogue with Chery regarding Samsun. They also see that Turkey is a country that acts in a planned manner. We expect their capacity to be at least as much as BYD's. In terms of investment amount, it is also close to BYD," he said.