Korean auto giant Hyundai to begin electric vehicle manufacturing in Türkiye
An aerial view of Hyundai Motor Türkiye’s manufacturing plant in Kocaeli, Türkiye. (Photo via hyundai-motor.com.tr)
Korean automaker Hyundai will begin electric vehicle (EV) production at its factory in Kocaeli, Türkiye, in the second half of 2026, the company’s Türkiye General Manager Murat Berkel announced on Sunday.
Speaking at a meeting where Hyundai shared its 2024 performance and 2025 expectations, Berkel emphasized the company’s commitment to advanced manufacturing technologies.
“We have a high-tech production facility, and we want to make a mark in Türkiye’s electrification sector,” he said.
“A high-quality electric vehicle will be produced here and made available to both Turkish consumers and the European market. Aside from Togg, we will be the second brand manufacturing EVs in Türkiye and the first among foreign brands.”
Berkel added that further details about the vehicle will be shared in the coming period.
‘A Hyundai model every 92 seconds’
Berkel recalled that Hyundai laid the foundation for its Izmit plant in 1995 and began production in 1997. The company has maintained uninterrupted manufacturing and exports for 28 years.
“Since then, we have achieved significant production milestones. Hyundai Motor Türkiye continues on a steady path. Over 28 years, we have produced more than 3 million vehicles. Every 92 seconds, we manufacture an i10, i20, or Bayon model. Along with our partners, we provide employment to over 20,000 people and have exported more than 2.5 million units,” Berkel said.
He noted that Hyundai reached a production volume of 245,000 vehicles last year by operating three shifts, with 204,000 of them exported to over 40 countries, generating $2.4 billion in export revenue.
The localization rate is around 55%, Berkel said, adding, “Our domestic market sales are growing every day. Over the past four years, we have increased our sales by 120%, reaching 62,913 units in 2024. Our market share stood at 5.1%. Our goal is to expand this share each year with new models.”
‘Targeting 65,000 vehicle sales in 2025’
Berkel also highlighted the growing demand for EVs in Türkiye, noting that in 2024, the country’s market for electric cars surged to around 100,000 units, with Hyundai selling nearly 5,000 EVs.
“This year (2025), we expect the Turkish automotive market to reach 1.1 million units. Our sales target is 65,000 vehicles, aiming to increase our market share from 5.1% to 5.9%. We plan to sell over 7,000 electric vehicles,” he stated.
He also announced that Hyundai will expand its electric vehicle lineup this year with new models to strengthen its market position.
Hyundai to launch 35 new EV and hybrid models by 2030
Berkel also noted that Hyundai has produced over 100 million vehicles in its 57-year history and aims to reach 200 million in a much shorter timeframe, with plans to establish new facilities for EV production.
The company intends to increase its annual global sales from 4.1 million units to approximately 5.55 million by 2030, a rise of 30%-35%. Of this total, 2 million units are expected to be electric vehicles.
Hyundai will introduce 35 new fully electric and hybrid models by 2030, Berkel said.
“This includes 21 new fully electric models and 14 hybrid models, ranging from affordable options to luxury and high-performance vehicles. Additionally, four new factories will be launched, alongside various R&D investments and battery development projects,” he concluded.
