Industry Minister Kacir refutes opposition claims of riding Mercedes instead of Togg
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir and his deputy ministers arrive at the Turkish Parliament with a Togg T10X, a Turkish-made electric SUV, in Ankara, Türkiye, on Dec. 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Fatih Kacir dismissed allegations by the main opposition party, CHP, accusing him of using a Mercedes instead of the Turkish-made electric SUV, Togg, responding with a video showing his arrival at Parliament in a Togg car.
Speaking at the Turkish Parliament’s general assembly regarding the ministry’s 2025 budget, Kacir highlighted Türkiye’s growing role in the automotive market, particularly through contributions from Togg’s initiative.
Describing Togg as the most significant step toward positioning Türkiye as a leader in transforming the automotive sector into the new mobility ecosystem, Kacir noted that around 45,000 Togg vehicles had been delivered to their owners within one-and-a-half years.
“We will continue to strongly support Togg and take steps to ensure its competitiveness on an international scale,” Kacir stated.
CHP alleges Minister Kacir does not use Togg
Following Kacir’s statements, CHP’s Malatya Deputy Veli Agbaba criticized him, claiming that Kacir and his security vehicles consist of Mercedes and Audi cars.
Agbaba accused ministers of boasting about being “local and national” while riding in foreign-made vehicles, alleging that out of 18 ministers in the presidential cabinet, only three use Togg vehicles.
Agbaba condemned Minister Kacir, accusing him of arriving at the budget meeting in a Mercedes on Nov. 7.
Minister Kacir debunks allegations with video proof
In response to Agbaba’s claims, Minister Kacir stated during the assembly that he had attended the Nov. 7 meeting in a Togg. Following the session, Kacir shared a video on his X post showing him arriving at the Parliament in a Togg.
“You persist in spreading falsehoods despite knowing the truth. I am proud to use Togg. Togg is our creation, the pride of 86 million people. Stop making Togg a subject of controversy. You should use Togg too,” Kacir responded Agbaba.
