MEDIA

To lead Turkey’s auto-industry electrification transformation, Turkey’s export champion Ford Otosan last year announced an investment plan of TL 20,5 billion for its next generation electrified and connected vehicle projects in Kocaeli. The company stated that this would add 210,000 units additional to its capacity.

Ford Otosan will produce at Craiova plant the next generation Courier, designed and engineered by Ford Otosan. Moreover, it will be responsible for the manufacturing of the Ford Puma, including its newly announced all electric version as well as 1.0 EcoBoost engine. 

Europe’s leader in CV manufacturing and Turkey’s export champion Ford Otosan, announced a strategic move in company’s growth plans and declared that an agreement has been reached with Ford for the transfer of shares in Ford’s Craiova plant. The company stated that the transaction value is €575 million, plus a conditional additional payment up to €140 million, taking into account the future capacity utilization rate of the facility.
Expanding its operations internationally, the agreement transfers ownership of vehicles and engine production facilities in Craiova to Ford Otosan. Designed and engineered by Ford Otosan, next generation Transit Courier van and kombi versions will be produced as of 2023 and their all-electric versions from 2024 onwards. Additionally, Ford Otosan will assume responsibility of the production of the Ford Puma model, Ford’s best sold passenger vehicle in Europe in 2021, its all-electric version to be built in Craiova in 2024.and multi-awarded 1.0 EcoBoost engine.
Last year, Ford Otosan declared its new investment plan, which meant the increase of production capacity of Kocaeli to 650.000 vehicles. With the addition of Craiova with annual installed capacity of 250,000 vehicles, the company will have more than 900.000 vehicle production capacity and will employ more than 20.000 people. Once the transaction is completed, Ford Otosan will become a manufacturer with 4 plants in 2 countries, producing Transit, E-Transit, next generation 1 tonne Transit and its all-electric version, next generation Transit Courier and its all-electric version, Ford Puma, Ford Puma all electric as well as Ford Trucks branded HCVs and Rakun. 
A success story in the global auto-industry

Emphasizing the almost century long relationship between Koç Holdings and Ford Motor Company Stuart Rowley, Chair, Ford of Europe stated “Ford Otosan is one of the longest running, most successful JVs in the global automotive industry, and we welcome this opportunity to deepen our strategic partnership with Koç Holdings in our mutual joint venture. The Craiova facility is today a strong success story, but we believe that through Ford Otosan's experience and expertise in electrification and commercial vehicles it can reach even higher levels of achievement."
Underlining that the achievements of Ford Otosan employees have contribute greatly to the agreement announced today, Ford Otosan General Manager Haydar Yenigün said “As Turkey's export champion and leader of the Turkish automotive industry, Ford Otosan previously declared Turkey’s largest private sector investment in Turkey that will increase Kocaeli plant production capacity to 650,000. We are proud to realize a dream today, a new step taken to expand our manufacturing operations globally, a first in Ford Otosan history. Additionally, we are proud to represent Turkey in the international arena. Ford Otosan brand, which we have been continually enhancing for more than 60 years, is among the most valuable publicly traded companies in Turkey. This agreement we announced today, a clear testament of Ford Otosan’s success in providing flexible, efficient and high-quality production, will strengthen Ford Otosan’s role as the largest CV production facility in Europe.”