According to media reports, Hyundai's factory in İzmit, Turkey, is preparing to manufacture electric vehicles. The company plans to begin producing both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in 2026 to meet the growing demand in Europe.
However, Hyundai has not disclosed which models will be produced at the İzmit plant or the production volume. Data suggests that in January 2024, Hyundai Group placed an order with supplier POSCO for electric motor components, with 550,000 units set to be delivered to Hyundai's Turkish plant by 2034.
In a press release, Hyundai stated: "Electric vehicles produced at the İzmit plant in Turkey will contribute to Hyundai's expanding EV lineup, addressing the growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions in the European market." In addition to EVs, the plant will continue manufacturing internal combustion engine vehicles. Currently, Hyundai produces the i10 and i20 small cars, as well as the Bayon subcompact crossover, at the İzmit facility.
The İzmit plant's website indicates an annual production capacity of up to 245,000 vehicles. Hyundai plans to increase this capacity but has not provided specific figures or disclosed the investment amount for upgrading the facility.
Previously, the plant was operated by Hyundai Assan Automotive, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Turkey's Kibar Holding. However, in 2020, Kibar Holding transferred its shares to Hyundai. To "better reflect its role in the global automotive industry," Hyundai has since renamed the facility as Hyundai Motor Türkiye.
Hyundai also manufactures vehicles in other parts of Europe, such as its Nosovice plant in the Czech Republic, which produces the Kona Elektro. However, the company's best-selling IONIQ series and its newly introduced Inster subcompact EV are still manufactured in South Korea and exported to Europe.
