MG eyes Türkiye for new factory investment as strategic talks scheduled in Shanghai
Electric vehicles of China's MG brand are displayed at an MG sales center in Istanbul, Türkiye. (AFP Photo)
MG, the British-origin automotive brand under SAIC Motor, is advancing plans for a potential factory investment in Türkiye, as discussions between SAIC Motor and its Turkish partner, Dogan Trend Automotive, progress toward a critical phase.
Speaking to the Türkiye daily, Kagan Dagtekin, CEO of Dogan Trend Automotive, stated that the company has been working on the Türkiye factory project with SAIC Motor for over a year.
Speaking about the upcoming developments, Dagtekin said: “We have made significant progress. On Jan. 10, we will travel to Shanghai at the invitation of SAIC’s senior management to advance the project to its next phase. With the guidance and support of our ministry, we are carefully managing the process.”
Türkiye’s automotive market gains momentum
Türkiye’s automotive sector closed in 2024 with record sales figures, driven by strong demand and strategic investments from major Chinese automotive brands, including BYD, Chery, and MG.
BYD became the first among the three to announce an official investment decision, leveraging customs tax advantages to achieve its sales targets for the year.
While MG’s recent decision to establish a manufacturing plant in Egypt drew attention, Dagtekin clarified that the Egyptian project was not an alternative to the proposed Türkiye investment.
“The Egypt project, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, is designed to serve local markets and select African and Middle Eastern countries. It does not compete with or replace our Türkiye plans. Our main competitors are in Europe and Morocco,” Dagtekin said.
Strategic importance of Türkiye for MG
Türkiye’s geographical location, strong infrastructure, and growing automotive market make it an attractive hub for manufacturing and exports. MG’s potential investment aligns with Türkiye’s ambitions to become a regional automotive manufacturing center.
Dagtekin emphasized that Türkiye’s investment climate, combined with governmental support, creates a favorable environment for long-term industrial projects.
Motorcycle production in Türkiye gains traction
Besides automotive plans, Dogan Trend Automotive has been advancing its motorcycle production ambitions. The company represents leading global brands, including Vespa, Aprilia, KYMCO, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Suzuki, and Silence.
Dagtekin revealed that test production for motorcycles under the KYMCO brand has already begun at the Kemalpasa factory in Izmir as of December 24, 2024.
“We have started trial production successfully, and we aim to finalize preparations for mass production soon, positioning ourselves among Türkiye’s domestic producers,” he said.
