Hyundai plans to produce electric vehicles in Turkey starting next year

Demand for electric vehicles in the European market continues to rise and, as a result, manufacturers of this type of vehicle are adapting their strategies to meet the wishes of their customers. This is precisely the case of Hyundai which, according to a recent report, plans to start producing electric vehicles from August 2026 at its Turkish plant located in the town of Izmit.

According to Turkish media, the South Korean manufacturer has already begun taking some steps to make this plan possible. One of the first would involve adjusting production at the plant, which this same year will go from producing 245 thousand combustion engines to 190 thousand, with the aim of freeing up space to create a new assembly line for electric models.

Although Hyundai has not confirmed which electric model will be manufactured in İzmit, it is speculated that it could be the Hyundai Inster, recently presented precisely in Turkey. In addition, the company plans to introduce the IONIQ 9 to the European market during the second half of this year, thereby expanding its range of electric vehicles. It remains to be seen, however, how many electric models Hyundai will produce at its Turkish plant.

Turkey is gaining weight as a producer of electric vehicles

The Izmit plant, operated by Hyundai Assan Automotive, is a reality thanks to the collaboration between the Hyundai Motor Group and the Turkish holding company Kibar. In 2020 Kibar transferred its shares to Hyundai, and the plant was recently renamed Hyundai Motor Türkiye. Currently, 85 percent of the vehicles leaving its assembly line are exported to Europe.

The South Korean manufacturer currently has another electric vehicle production plant to meet demand in the European market. This is the Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic, where the electric Kona is currently produced. IONIQ range models sold in Europe continue to arrive, however, from South Korea.

The start of electric model production at the Izmit plant undoubtedly represents a strategic leap of great importance for the company, which seeks to strengthen its position in Europe.