Toyota Türkiye marks 30 years: Europe’s largest manufacturing hub

Toyota Türkiye, also known as Toyota Automotive Industry Turkey (TMMT), is celebrating its 30th anniversary of production. Established in 1994, TMMT began operations in northwestern Türkiye’s Sakarya province with the production of the Corolla model, and over the past three decades, has grown to become one of Toyota’s largest production facilities outside Japan.

Today, the plant has an annual production capacity of 280,000 vehicles, solidifying its position as Toyota’s largest manufacturing base in Europe.

Milestones in Innovation and Sustainability

Throughout its 30 years of operations, TMMT has been a key player in introducing new models and technologies to Türkiye. The facility was the first in the country to produce an MPV, the Toyota Verso, as well as the first SUV and hybrid vehicle with the Toyota C-HR.

In 2023, Toyota Türkiye reached a historic milestone by manufacturing the country’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the new Toyota C-HR, a testament to Toyota’s commitment to sustainable automotive solutions.

Since its inception, TMMT has produced a total of 3.7 million vehicles, exporting 90% of them to 150 countries worldwide, significantly contributing to the Turkish economy. The company’s total investment in Türkiye has reached €2.5 billion, underscoring Toyota’s long-term commitment to the region.

Expanding Global Reach

TMMT’s impact extends beyond Türkiye. The plant exports 90% of its vehicles, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, to over 150 countries across five continents, generating substantial added value for the Turkish economy. This production flexibility is supported by the ability to manufacture gasoline, hybrid, and rechargeable hybrid vehicles on the same production line at the Sakarya facility, a unique feature that exemplifies Toyota’s innovation.

A Legacy of Excellence

Erdogan Sahin, General Manager and CEO of Toyota Automotive Industry Türkiye Inc., reflected on the company’s journey over the past three decades. “Since the construction of the factory in 1992 and the start of production in 1994, our top priority has been to deliver reliable, high-quality vehicles. Over these 30 years, we have continually evolved our approach to sustainable production, ensuring our facility remains a leader in innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship.”

Sahin emphasized that TMMT’s success is a collective effort, with the company’s 5,000 employees, suppliers, and business partners working together as one extended family. “We are proud to be Toyota’s largest production base in Europe, and we continue to focus on a sustainable future with the support of all our stakeholders,” he said.

The 1 Millionth C-HR

A significant milestone was reached with the production of the 1 millionth Toyota C-HR hybrid at TMMT. This eco-friendly, safe, and high-performance vehicle was delivered to a wide range of customers. The C-HR is now sold in various markets, including New Zealand and Australia, as well as across Europe and Asia.

Production Numbers

In 30 years of operation, TMMT has produced the following vehicle models:

• Corolla: 1,380,970 units
• C-HR: 1,255,365 units
• Verso: 767,790 units
• Auris: 283,410 units

In total, the plant has produced 3,687,535 vehicles, demonstrating Toyota’s long-standing success and leadership in the Turkish automotive industry.