Kocaeli, home to major production plants operated by Ford Otosan, Hyundai Motor Türkiye, and Anadolu Isuzu, has once again affirmed its central role in Türkiye’s automotive industry. According to data compiled from the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD), the city saw a remarkable increase in both vehicle production and exports during the first half of 2025.
Between January and June, the total number of passenger and commercial vehicles manufactured in the province reached 342,625 — marking a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Of these, a staggering 300,218 vehicles were exported, representing 87.6 percent of total production.
This performance positioned Kocaeli as the origin of 56 percent of Türkiye’s total automotive exports during the six-month period.
Ford Otosan Maintains Its Lead in Production and Exports
Among the automotive giants based in Kocaeli, Ford Otosan continued to dominate. Operating two major facilities in Gölcük and Yeniköy, the company rolled out a combined 219,552 vehicles, including 167,878 trucks and 51,674 minibuses.
The company’s flagship models, Transit and Custom, were key drivers of export success. Ford Otosan exported 199,527 vehicles in the first half of the year — a 31 percent increase compared to the previous year.
This performance further solidified Ford Otosan’s leadership in both production output and international market reach, making it one of Türkiye’s most valuable automotive exporters.
Hyundai Motor Türkiye Records Strong Numbers with Compact Models
Hyundai Motor Türkiye followed closely behind. Its factory in İzmit produced 120,800 vehicles in the first half of the year, focusing on popular models such as the i10, i20, and Bayon. The company exported 100,176 units, accounting for 83 percent of total production.
Hyundai’s İzmit plant plays a significant role in supplying compact and fuel-efficient models to European and Middle Eastern markets. The plant’s high export ratio underscores its strategic importance to the company’s global supply chain.
Anadolu Isuzu Delivers Niche Commercial Vehicles
Anadolu Isuzu, which specializes in light commercial vehicles and buses, produced 2,273 vehicles from its Kocaeli facilities. Of these, 515 were delivered to foreign markets.
Though smaller in volume compared to Ford and Hyundai, Anadolu Isuzu continues to serve a focused export niche in municipal transport and mid-size logistics solutions, especially in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Kocaeli’s Strategic Advantage in Automotive Manufacturing
Kocaeli’s geographic proximity to İstanbul, access to major ports, and robust industrial infrastructure have long made it a magnet for automotive investment. The region benefits from a skilled labor force, extensive supplier networks, and efficient logistics — all of which support its dominance in high-volume vehicle manufacturing.
In addition to hosting assembly plants, the city is home to numerous Tier 1 and Tier 2 component suppliers, reinforcing the entire automotive value chain. The city’s established transportation links to Europe and Central Asia make it a vital hub for Türkiye’s export-oriented economy.
Sectoral Trends Reflect Global Automotive Shifts
Türkiye’s automotive sector, including its operations in Kocaeli, continues to evolve in line with global trends. There is a growing emphasis on electrification, lightweight materials, and energy-efficient models.
Ford Otosan’s Custom and Transit lines, for example, are gradually integrating hybrid and electric variants in response to European Union regulations and global sustainability goals. Hyundai is also expected to expand electric vehicle (EV) production in Türkiye in the near future.
These shifts are being supported by government incentives and a growing ecosystem of innovation within Türkiye’s industrial strategy. Kocaeli is expected to remain at the forefront of these developments.
Vehicle Production and Export Summary (January–June 2025)
| Manufacturer | Units Produced | Units Exported |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Otosan | 219,552 | 199,527 |
| Hyundai Motor Türkiye | 120,800 | 100,176 |
| Anadolu Isuzu | 2,273 | 515 |
| Total | 342,625 | 300,218 |
Looking Ahead
With production rising, export demand strong, and new investments on the horizon, Kocaeli is poised to retain its title as the epicenter of Türkiye’s automotive sector.
Industry experts anticipate further growth in the second half of the year, particularly as global supply chain bottlenecks ease and new model launches take place. Ford Otosan and Hyundai are both expected to increase output, while Anadolu Isuzu continues to explore new export markets.
Kocaeli’s contribution to Türkiye’s economy — not just as a manufacturing hub but as an export powerhouse — underscores the region’s strategic importance in a rapidly changing global automotive landscape.
