Hyundai Motor Turkey announced it will establish a new battery factory alongside its IONIQ 3 investment, which will begin mass production in August. Of the total 715 million euro investment, 55 million euros are allocated to the battery facility.
The company will collaborate with Hyundai Mobis to integrate cells with an automation system at the battery factory. The facility, covering 30,000 square meters, will operate 27 robots, preparing the batteries for packaging without manual handling.
Employment and Production Goals
In the initial phase of the investment, employment for more than 300 people is planned. The company also states that this step will contribute to the expertise needed in electric vehicle production.
According to the project nearing its final stage, production is expected to reach 27,000 units this year and over 40,000 units next year. The battery investment aims not only to support the IONIQ 3, which will enter mass production in August, but also to build infrastructure for new electric and hybrid models in the future.
Hyundai’s Manufacturing History in Turkey
Murat Berkel, General Manager of Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales at Hyundai Motor Turkey, stated that the İzmit factory is Hyundai’s first overseas facility and has produced 3.3 million vehicles since 1997.
Berkel emphasized the significance of the new battery investment for both Turkey and the Turkish automotive industry, noting that it will contribute to the brand’s growth in Turkey.
Supply Chain and New Model Plans
It was noted that NMC cells are sourced from Hungary, while LFP-type short-range batteries are supplied from China, enabling production tailored to different range options.
The IONIQ 3, Hyundai’s second locally produced electric model in Turkey, will roll off the production line in August. The model is planned to be launched in Turkey in September with two different battery and power options.
With this new investment, the company also aims to support the local supply industry. The infrastructure to be established for electric and hybrid vehicle projects is expected to contribute to the production ecosystem in Turkey.