Hyundai Motor Turkiye is set to commence the production of fully electric vehicles at its Kocaeli plant in the second half of 2026. Murat Berkel, General Manager of Hyundai Motor Turkiye, stated that the company aims to make a significant impact on Turkey’s electrification efforts.
Speaking at a meeting where the company’s 2024 performance and 2025 expectations were shared, Berkel noted that global vehicle sales increased by 1.7% last year, reaching 88.2 million units. He highlighted the rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market, stating that global EV sales surpassed 17 million, compared to just 2 million five years ago. According to Berkel, 500 fully electric models are currently available worldwide, and this number is expected to reach 1,000 by 2030.
Hyundai’s Global Sales Continue to Grow
Berkel also pointed out that Hyundai Motor Group, which includes Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis, became the third-largest automotive group in the world in 2024, with 6.26 million vehicles sold.
The Hyundai brand alone recorded 4.1 million global sales last year. In Europe, the company sold over 534,000 units, with SUV models attracting significant consumer interest. Berkel emphasized that with the introduction of INSTER and IONIQ 9 in 2025, the share of EV sales in Europe is expected to increase further.
Regarding Hyundai’s brand value, Berkel stated that it has grown by 130% over the past decade, reaching $23 billion. He also mentioned that the company is not just focusing on sales but also advancing in design and technology. Last year alone, Hyundai received over 200 awards in these areas, including 20 design awards from IF Design.
Hyundai to Introduce 35 New EV and Hybrid Models by 2030
Berkel revealed that Hyundai plans to launch 35 new fully electric and hybrid models by 2030. He stated that 21 of these will be fully electric models, while 14 will be hybrids. Additionally, four new production facilities will be established, along with investments in R&D and battery development.
The company aims to increase its annual global sales from 4.1 million to 5.55 million units by 2030, with 2 million of these expected to be electric vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Turkiye produced 245,000 vehicles in 2024, with 204,000 units exported to over 40 countries. The company generated $2.4 billion in export revenue last year. Since Hyundai established its factory in Turkiye in 1997, it has manufactured over 3 million vehicles, exporting more than 2.5 million of them.
Electric Vehicle Production to Begin in Turkiye
Berkel confirmed that Hyundai Motor Turkiye will begin electric vehicle production in the second half of 2026. The EVs produced in Turkiye will not only be available to local consumers but also exported to European markets.
Electric vehicle sales in Turkiye have been increasing steadily. Berkel reported that Hyundai sold 62,913 vehicles in Turkiye in 2024, capturing a 5.1% market share. The company aims to increase its market share to 5.9% in 2025 by selling 65,000 units, including over 7,000 electric vehicles.
Hyundai will be the second brand to produce electric vehicles in Turkiye, following TOGG, and the first foreign manufacturer to establish EV production in the country.
Berkel underlined the company’s investment in Turkiye, stating, “Our factory operates with cutting-edge technology. The work related to EV production is progressing rapidly. Turkiye’s production quality is at the highest level, and our plant holds a five-star rating. The electric vehicle to be manufactured here will be introduced to both Turkish consumers and European markets.”
While Berkel did not disclose further details about the new EV model, he stated, “Other production lines will continue as usual. This vehicle will be fully electric, but we cannot reveal the specific segment at this time.”
