TURKEY'S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLE “E-TRANSIT” OF THE LINE

Minister Varank spoke at the Line Landing Ceremony of Turkey's and Ford's First Fully Electric Commercial Vehicle E-Transit in Europe, held at Ford Otosan Kocaeli Factories in Kocaeli's Gölcük district. Emphasizing that they are witnessing an important day for the Turkish automotive industry, Varank noted that one of the first steps of a great vision spanning 10 years, the first vehicle of E-Transit to be exported to the European market by Ford Otosan, came off the production line.

18K EMPLOYEES

Pointing out that Ford Otosan's production capacity has increased from 455 thousand to 650 thousand with its 100% electric commercial vehicle investment, Varank said, "In this way, Ford Otosan will be crowned the commercial vehicle production base of Europe. These vehicles to be exported will clinch the title of export champion. They will emerge in the supplier industry. With the additional of 15 thousand employees, new job opportunities will be created for 18 thousand citizens." 

WE ARE ONE OF 14 MANUFACTURERS

Varank stated that by 2030, sales of electric vehicles in the world are expected to exceed 30 percent of all sales, and that the technological development in autonomous and connected vehicles continues rapidly. Noting that Turkey's potential in the automotive industry is quite high with its existing infrastructure and qualified human resources, Varank said, "We are currently one of the 14 largest manufacturers in the world. We have a serious production capacity. The sector maintains its positive outlook despite fluctuations despite the pandemic and the war. Here is the positive atmosphere. As Turkey, we aspire to get the lion's share of the electric vehicle market, which will gradually grow.

INVESTMENTS CONTINUE

Explaining that Ford Otosan continues to invest in Electric Transits, Varank said, “Ford has publicly announced that it will make a battery investment in Turkey. On the TOGG side, there are developments in terms of batteries along with passenger vehicles. Another development in the battery field is Aspilsan's Domestic Lithium Battery Production Factory. The factory is currently at the stage of mass production of the cylindrical cell. On the other hand, Turkish brands took the initiative in electric buses. Many of our companies have launched their electric buses, and there are even those who have succeeded in producing autonomous electric buses. No doubt there will be more to come. Of course, we need to emphasize a necessity here.” he said.

EXPORTED TO EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Noting that Turkey exports 80 percent of its automobile production to European countries, primarily Germany, England and France, Varank said, “In this context, the main industry and supply industry will be directly affected by the bans on internal combustion engines. That's why we have important issues ahead of us that we need to pay attention to. One of them is the conversion of existing capacity. The other is electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Finally, infrastructure and regulation arrangements for autonomous and connected vehicles.” used the phrases.

300 MILLION TL GRANT

Stating that they started a grant support program of 300 million liras for the establishment of more than 1500 high-speed charging stations all over Turkey, Varank also stated that they have reached the final stage in the roadmap they have prepared for mobility vehicles and technologies, and that although the roadmap studies continue, some actions have already begun to be implemented. stressed.

SUPPORTED BY THE MINISTRY

Minister Varank stated that Turkey's first and only domestic automatic transmission developed by Ford Otosan, which they launched 6 months ago, is also supported by the Ministry, and said, "With these contributions from the state, we witnessed the birth of the innovation ecosystem in Turkey from scratch. Its ratio to national income was 1.09 percent. When we add the indirect support of our state to this, we see that these figures are around 1.5 percent. With these expenditures, our patent graphic has also increased. In 2021, the European Patent application originating in Turkey increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year. "At the moment, we have risen one more step in the European lists with these numbers. Hopefully, these figures will go up much higher with the investments made by the private sector in new technologies." used the phrases.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE BASE OF EUROPE

Noting that Turkey will become Europe's electric vehicle base in the future with its experience in the automotive industry and its developing R&D ecosystem, Varank said, "From the moment Ford Otosan talked about its investment of 2 billion euros, we embraced this project with all relevant institutions of the state, upon the instruction of our President. We have included this strategic investment in the scope of project-based incentives because the customer is the benefactor of the producers and the investor is the benefactor of our country. Each of our investors working towards the goal of a great and strong Turkey has a place above our heads. Today, Turkey is a safe harbor for everyone with its independent and determined stance, and today It's the right time to invest in Turkey.Each new capacity to be created here, rest assured, entrepreneurs.It will return to us as an added value," he said.

CALL INVESTOR

Calling national and international investors, Varank emphasized that Turkey's position in world trade has become much stronger with strategic developments, "Come, invest in Turkey, you win and Turkey wins." said.

TURKISH ENGINEERS AND WORKERS MANUFACTURED

Ali Koç, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Koç Holding and Chairman of the Board of Ford Otosan, said, "The production of Ford's first electric commercial model, E-Transit, in our country by Turkish engineers and workers, is an all-encompassing industry move that has grown step by step since the first years of the Republic of Turkey. is the result." said.

Güven Özyurt, General Manager of Ford Otosan, said, "Today, we are proud of the landing of Turkey's first and Europe's most powerful all-electric commercial vehicle, E-Transit." he said.

SIGNED THE VEHICLE

After the speeches, one of the workers presented a painting made of waste materials to Varank, who signed the vehicle.

Minister Varank, Kocaeli Governor Seddar Yavuz, Metropolitan Mayor Tahir Büyükakın, Koç Holding Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and Ford Otosan Chairman Ali Koç, Ford Otosan General Manager Güven Özyurt, Türk-İş Secretary General and Turkish Metal Union President Pevrul Kavlak, invited guests and workers took a souvenir photo in front of the vehicle.