Hyundai Turkey CEO Alex Kim made critical statements regarding the start of mass production of the electric IONIQ 3 model at the Izmit factory and the brand's future vision. In an interview with Vahap Munyar, Kim stated that 50% of the Izmit facilities have been converted for electric vehicle production, emphasizing Türkiye's strategic importance in the global production network. Hyundai management stated that they aim to produce 28,760 IONIQ 3 units this year, with 28,005 of these to be exported. Sales in the Turkish domestic market are planned to begin in September. Of the total $830 million investment plan, $290 million has already been allocated to the IONIQ 3 project.
- Hyundai aims to produce 28,760 IONIQ 3 units at its Izmit factory this year.
- Of the total investment, $290 million was allocated to the IONIQ 3 model.
- All battery production processes except for battery cells will be carried out at the Izmit facilities.
- Sales of the IONIQ 3 in the Turkish market are expected to begin in September.
Izmit Factory Completes Electric Vehicle Conversion
Hyundai aims to transform its Izmit plant not only into a production base but also into an electric vehicle hub serving the European market. With the IONIQ 3 model, the company is optimizing production capacity while simultaneously strengthening its local supply chain. Murat Berkel, General Manager of Sales, Marketing and After-Sales at Hyundai Turkey, stated that the brand's electric vehicle portfolio includes a total of 7 models and that they aim to sell 10 electric vehicles across Turkey by the end of the year.
The Izmit factory is at the heart of Hyundai's European electric vehicle strategy.
Local investments in battery production will continue.
Significant strides are also being made in battery technology, the heart of electric vehicles. Murat Berkel announced that, with the exception of the battery cell stage, other battery production processes will be carried out directly at the İzmit facilities. This strategic decision aims to support Türkiye's high value-added production capacity in the automotive industry. Ongoing investments in battery assembly are considered factors that will increase cost advantages and logistical efficiency.
R&D Center Calls are Being Responded To
The expectation of establishing an R&D center in Türkiye, which is constantly brought up by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, was evaluated by Alex Kim. While acknowledging that some incentives are conditional on the establishment of an R&D center, Kim stated that a detailed analysis is needed to determine whether the current market scale is sufficient for an investment of this magnitude. The company continues to closely monitor government incentive mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of its operations in Türkiye.
Investments in R&D centers in Türkiye will be shaped according to the growth potential of the market.
Hyundai's massive transformation could elevate Türkiye's position in the electric vehicle arena to the next level. The IONIQ 3, which will be produced domestically and exported worldwide, is seen as heralding a new era in the automotive sector.
What are your thoughts on Hyundai's major electric vehicle initiative launched in Izmit? How do you evaluate the competitiveness of the domestically produced IONIQ 3 model in the Turkish market? You can share your opinions and questions with us in the comments section.
