By News Centre
Turkiye’s ambition to produce a domestic car dates back to the
1950s. Although the Devrim car produced in 1961 never went into
full-scale production, in the following years, Turkiye largely
developed its automotive industry through joint production models
with foreign brands, becoming one of the production centers for
many manufacturers. The ecosystem and experience developed during
this process eventually evolved into a national car 70 years later.
In 2022, TOGG introduced its first model, the T10X, and began mass
production in 2023. Initially launched for the domestic market,
Togg is now appearing on European roads.
Following the T10X SUV model, Togg’s second model, the T10F
sedan, frequently makes headlines, and the project has come a long
way since its inception. Bringing a new vision to the Turkish
automotive industry, Togg has not only overcome citizens’
hesitation toward electric cars but has also elevated its brand by
addressing entertainment and practical needs through its smart
device features. With over 82,000 units sold, the national brand
Togg has successfully inserted Turkiye into the global electric
vehicle race. Togg has encouraged major manufacturers to invest in
electric vehicles to protect their market share and is preparing
component suppliers for the future. The greatest source of national
pride has been owning a car brand with full intellectual property
rights.
Since its launch in 2023, the Gemlik Facility, with a capacity
of 175,000, has been filling day by day, and Togg has maintained
its leadership in both monthly and annual sales. Attractive
financing conditions, comfort suited to the Turkish family
structure, and technological differentiation from other brands are
among the factors contributing to its leadership. In addition to
evoking national pride, Togg is accessible to many citizens and
allows them to experience it firsthand, demonstrating courage and
vision that have effectively made Turkiye a participant in the
global automotive race. Beyond its production capacity of over 2
million vehicles annually and providing more than 500,000 direct
jobs, the sector, with multiplier effects, reaches 2.5 million and
has been prepared for the future. For traditional automotive
manufacturers, Togg’s production, carried out with domestic
resources and next-generation technologies, serves both as a
testing ground and a leap forward in engineering.
Another impact of Togg is that it has become a model for new
domestic automotive brands. Its success demonstrates the strength
of Turkiye’s engineering and infrastructure capabilities. Moreover,
Togg has become a favored brand for universities and R&D
centers wishing to participate in the ecosystem rather than build a
car from scratch. Its transparent and inclusive structure functions
like a testing center. Startups frequently turn to Togg, which
helps implement suitable projects. One such project is the From
Your Eyes application, created by visually impaired young
entrepreneur Zülal Tannur, which narrates road scenery in real time
while driving. In addition, AI support minimizes accident rates.
With the support of young entrepreneurs like Tannur, Togg is
rapidly innovating and creating original technologies while also
charting a course for future generations.
In the development of future electric vehicle technologies, Togg
has propelled Turkiye—previously lagging behind the world in both
automotive and infrastructure development—ahead of many European
countries, making it one of the world’s leading nations in this
field. By establishing companies, Togg also supports the ecosystem.
With Trugo, Togg has built charging stations and become a key
player in the retail energy sector. Together with Togg, many brands
have obtained charging station licenses and expanded globally using
the experience gained in Turkiye. Trugo currently operates nearly
1,000 stations and continues expanding across Anatolia. Another
Togg company, Siro, is investing heavily in battery production, not
only to meet its own needs but also to become Europe’s largest
supplier, with a dedicated factory under construction.
Togg’s business model also includes technology development in
necessary areas. The brand operates with a vision to produce all
domestic technologies, whether in mobility or industrial fields.
Even during its setup, Togg aligned with military technologies.
Togg’s smart devices, which incorporate radar technologies, copy
all the systems required for autonomous driving from the aerospace
sector.
As the world approaches the end of the traditional automotive
era, Turkiye, through Togg, has sent the message: “I am in the
race.” By rapidly adapting to new technologies, Turkiye has
captured a trend in high-value exports. On the flip side, domestic
technology development reduces import dependency, contributing to
the current account balance. In Togg’s sector, Turkiye imports over
$20 billion annually, while exports in the same sector, for which
Togg serves as a locomotive, approach $40 billion.
Companies collaborating with Togg have gained experience in
electric vehicles and are now serving global markets. For instance,
Vestel, a partner under Zorlu Holding, produces the full interior
screen for Togg and leverages this experience to serve the global
automotive industry. Similarly, in charging station production,
Togg has become a sought-after partner for infrastructure
investments in Turkiye and abroad. Battery production has
accelerated, as has the exploration and processing of the minerals
used in these batteries.
