18.08.2026 11:50
Following Togg in Turkey's automotive sector, the countdown has begun for a new passenger car brand with 100% domestic capital. While HABAŞ is expected to introduce its first car, to be produced at the former Honda factory in Gebze, by the end of the year, the design of the sedan and crossover models is being undertaken by world-renowned Frank Stephenson, who has worked with brands such as BMW, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Following Togg, Türkiye's automotive sector is preparing to launch its second passenger car brand with 100 percent domestic capital. As the domestic automobile project that industrial giant HABAŞ has been working on for a long time nears completion, the company is expected to introduce its first vehicle to the public by the end of this year.
PRODUCTION BASE WILL BE THE FORMER HONDA FACTORY
The production center for HABAŞ's passenger car project will be the former Honda factory in Gebze, acquired in 2021. The company has also strengthened its production infrastructure by bringing some production equipment to Türkiye from Honda's closed factory in England. HABAŞ, which plans a total investment of 1 billion euros for commercial and passenger vehicle production, aims to increase annual automobile production capacity to 75,000 units at the Gebze facility.
A LEGENDARY NAME IN THE DESIGN SEAT: FRANK STEPHENSON
One of the most striking details of the project is that the car's design is being undertaken by legendary designer Frank Stephenson, who has worked with world giants such as BMW, Ferrari, and McLaren. All processes, from creating the new brand's design language to engineering support and clay modeling, are being carried out by Stephenson's team. The famous designer, who spent part of his childhood in Istanbul and speaks Turkish, thus brings his special connection with Türkiye to this project.
IN THE FIRST PHASE, TWO MODELS AND THREE DIFFERENT ENGINE OPTIONS
HABAŞ is expected to enter the automobile market initially with two different models: a sedan and a crossover. Instead of a fully electric engine, the first models will offer three different power options: gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. Whether the company will produce fully electric vehicles in the coming years will become clearer over time.