According to a local distributor, the Chinese company Dongfeng Motor is in talks with an investor to start production of passenger cars in Turkey, which highlights the efforts of Chinese automakers to localize production to overcome trade barriers, Reuters reports.
Turkey, a market with annual car sales of about 1.4 million units, is strategically attractive due to duty-free access to trade with the EU, while imports from China are subject to additional taxes. Yavuz Sirak, CEO of Turkish distributor Dongfeng Marcar, said that the parties are working to start production this year, although a final decision on investments has not yet been made. It is reported that the investor has acquired production facilities, and Marcar is expected to handle sales and after-sales services. Dongfeng declined to comment, and the investor's identity remains confidential. Meanwhile, premium brand Dongfeng Voyah has announced plans for local production of a hybrid model.
Despite the high taxes, car sales in Turkey reached a record high last year due to demographic growth and increased demand for electric vehicles. Other Chinese players are following the same path: BYD plans to start production in Turkey by the end of 2026.
