Hyundai is strengthening its vision for electric vehicles with its first three goals in Turkey

Hyundai strengthens its vision for electric vehicles with its first three goals in Turkey Hyundai Motor Turkey CEO Alex Kim stated that Turkey is in a key position in the brand's electrification strategy in Europe. Kerem Alp Eren Kaya October 21, 2026 • Updated: October 21, 2026 PARIS Hyundai Motor Turkey CEO Kim made remarks on the brand's strategy in Turkey to the AA correspondent. Kim stated that they have taken a new turn with IONIQ 3, marking 30 years of production and export success in Turkey, and that Hyundai Motor Turkey, which has contributed directly to the automotive industry by producing over 3 million vehicles during this period, has expanded its vision and production capacity by producing its first electric car in 2026. Kim noted that they do not see IONIQ 3 merely as a new vehicle they have started producing, and they also achieved a historic transformation in production practices while developing their factories during this process. Kim said, "Turkey plays a key role in Hyundai's electrification strategy in Europe. By bringing the production of our first compact electric vehicle with advanced technology to our Izmit factory, we will continue to contribute to the Turkish automotive industry, employment, and the country's economy." "We exported Bayon to more than 40 countries, including Europe" Kim stated that Bayon, which began production in 2021, has been produced to nearly 250 thousand and exported to more than 40 countries, including Europe. Emphasizing that the new Bayon, which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in Paris, the capital of France, will begin production at the Izmit factory in December, Kim continued as follows: "The new Bayon, which we plan to offer for sale in Turkey at the beginning of February, will be one of the best-selling B-SUV models in Turkey, both for its sporty design and its next-generation internal combustion engines. In our new model, in addition to the 1.0-liter turbo engine, we will also offer a 1.6-liter hybrid engine in the future. With connectivity, spacious interior, high-level comfort features, and enhanced safety assistants, it is a model much more ambitious than the previous one." Kim also noted that they made the European premiere of the new Tucson at the show, and that the model, launched in 2004, has been sold over 11 million worldwide to date. Kim stated that they plan to offer the new Tucson for sale in Turkey in the second quarter of next year, and that the Tucson, the brand's second best-selling model, has attracted great interest in Europe and has reached over 2 million sales. Kim said, "The new Tucson features a bold design while offering an advanced cabin that enhances the premium feel, high-level connectivity, and next-generation 1.6-liter turbo internal combustion engines. Among these efficient and powerful engines, there are also hybrid and plug-in hybrid options." "We aim to increase our market share in electric vehicles" Kim stated that electric vehicles account for approximately 10 percent of the brand's total sales and they aim to increase this rate next year. Emphasizing their goal to be in the top three, and even the top two in electric vehicle sales, Kim said, "We have electric models in various segments from A to E. With the Inster, Kona Electric, and IONIQ model families, we offer consumers a very wide range of products. In short, we have products that meet all user expectations. Our models attract attention in their segments with their driving features, stylish designs, and comfort-focused features. Along with a wide range of electric products, we aim to close 2026 in Turkey with 9 thousand electric vehicle sales." Kim said that Turkish consumers are increasingly getting used to electric vehicles, the charging infrastructure is also rapidly advancing, and the number of charging points across the country has exceeded 45 thousand. Kim noted that consumers have been able to charge their vehicles more easily in recent years, and as a result, the demand for this category has increased significantly, and they also found that electric vehicles offer more advantages in terms of operating costs compared to gasoline vehicles. Kim indicated that the increase in model numbers also supports this transition, saying, "The share of electric vehicles in total sales was about one percent five years ago, and today it has reached 19 percent. A rapid transition to electric vehicles is also happening in Turkey, just like in the rest of the world." Kim expressed that IONIQ 3, the first fully electric vehicle produced by Hyundai in Turkey, will make a significant contribution to the transformation in the country. Emphasizing that electric vehicle production will also bring significant contributions to the automotive ecosystem, Kim continued as follows: "For this transformation to accelerate, it is important for other brands to also transition to electric vehicle production over time. This will contribute to Turkey's position as more prominent in terms of production in Europe and globally. Furthermore, it will have positive contributions to the automotive sector in terms of expanding the supply chain and developing qualified personnel. Other models to be produced in our country in the future will also contribute to the automotive industry, just like IONIQ 3." "More than 500 customers preferred IONIQ 3 in approximately two weeks" Murat Berkel, General Manager of Sales, Marketing, and After-Sales of Hyundai Motor Turkey, also expressed pride in showcasing important models like IONIQ 3 and the new Bayon, which were produced in Turkey, at the Paris Motor Show, one of the most prestigious car shows in the world, especially in Europe. Berkel reported that over 60 new models had their world premieres at the show this year and stated: "The presence of Chinese brands besides European brands in the show also highlights how important the European market is. IONIQ 3, the first electric model produced by our brand in Turkey, offers high-level comfort to consumers in the B segment with its different design, efficient electric motor, and 482-kilometer range. The IONIQ 3, which we offered with four different trim levels, was preferred by more than 500 of our customers in approximately two weeks. We predict that this positive sales trend will continue to increase until the end of the year. Based on this picture, we aim to sell more than 3,500 IONIQ 3 by the end of the year." Share the news News from the Anadolu Agency is published by summarizing the news provided through the AA News Flow System (HAS) for subscribers.Please contact us for subscription.