Hyundai plans to produce electric vehicles at its plant in İzmit, Turkey, starting in 2026, as part of its strategy to expand its EV lineup in response to growing demand in Europe. The facility will continue to manufacture combustion engine models alongside the new electric vehicles.
The automaker has not disclosed which EV models will be produced in İzmit or in what quantities. However, Hyundai Motor Group placed an order with supplier Posco in January 2024 for 550,000 electric motor components to be delivered to the Turkish plant by 2034, indicating long-term production plans.
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“The EV models manufactured in Türkiye’s İzmit plant will contribute to Hyundai’s growing electric lineup, supporting the European market’s increasing demand for sustainable mobility solutions,” Hyundai stated in a press release.
The İzmit plant, which has an annual production capacity of up to 245,000 vehicles, currently assembles the i10 and i20 small cars, as well as the Bayon small crossover. Hyundai has not specified the level of investment required for the transition to electric vehicle production or the scale of the expansion.
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The facility was previously operated by Hyundai Assan Automotive, a joint venture with Turkish Kibar Holding, but Hyundai took full ownership in 2020. The automaker recently rebranded the plant as Hyundai Motor Türkiye to align with its global operations.
Hyundai already produces electric vehicles in Europe at its Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic, where it builds the Kona Elektro. However, other EV models in the Ioniq series and the recently introduced Inster small car will continue to be imported from South Korea.