Hyundai Motor Turkey has officially started mass production of its new all-electric model, the IONIQ 3, at its Izmit factory. This breakthrough represents a valuable phase for the brand’s electrification strategy and European operations.

A comprehensive transformation process has been carried out at the Izmit production facility over the last two years. During this process, approximately 50% of the factory was modernized, preparing the necessary infrastructure for the production of new generation electric vehicles.

Electric Transformation and Investments in Turkey

Hyundai’s Izmit factory, operating since 1997, is the longest-running production facility outside of South Korea. With an annual capacity of 200,000 vehicles, the facility has produced over 3.4 million units to date.

Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that Hyundai will produce 30,000 IONIQ 3 vehicles annually in the first phase with an investment of 250 million euros. Minister Kacır emphasized that this development is a first for an international automotive manufacturer in terms of starting fully electric passenger car production in Türkiye.

Hyundai Motor Turkey CEO Alex Kim stated that more than a thousand employees have taken on different roles in the transformation process. The company aims to continue investments in various areas to increase its production capacity in the coming years.

Turkey as a Strategic Production Base

Hyundai Motor Europe CEO Xavier Martinet drew attention to Turkey’s strong automotive tradition and strategic position. Martinet stated that the decision to produce the IONIQ 3 in Turkey is a reflection of the confidence in the country’s potential in Europe’s mobility transformation.

80% of the vehicles produced at the Izmit factory are exported to world markets. Preparations for the production of the IONIQ 3, as well as the new generation BAYON and i20 models, aim to support the domestic supply industry.

Hyundai’s new electric vehicle investment supports Turkey’s goal of becoming a global production center for battery and electric vehicle technologies. Hyundai MOBIS’s battery investment also stands out as a complementary element to this process. How do you think this new era in electric vehicle production in Turkey will affect the automotive sector?