BYD Still Doesn't Make a Clear Statement About its Türkiye Factory!

Uncertainty continues regarding the $1 billion factory investment that BYD plans to establish in Türkiye. Company officials did not make a clear statement at the Paris Motor Show.

In the meetings held within the scope of the Paris Motor Show, uncertainties regarding the factory that the Chinese automotive giant BYD plans to establish in Turkey remain on the agenda. BYD Vice President Stella Li avoided giving a direct answer to the questions about the fate of the investment posed to her at the fair, and merely stated that efforts are continuing for new investment regions on a global scale.

The agreement signed with the Ministry of Industry and Technology in July 2024, envisaging an investment of approximately 1 billion dollars, was seen as a big step for Turkey's electric vehicle vision. However, the current status of the facility, which is planned to be established in Manisa and is expected to have an annual capacity of 150 thousand vehicles, remains unclear due to the lack of a clear statement made by BYD.

Investment Process Is Suspended by BYD

The signatures signed in July created great excitement in the automotive industry. The participation of a global player in Turkey's domestic electric vehicle move was of strategic importance in terms of both employment and technology transfer. In particular, the factory planned to be built in Manisa stood out as a gateway to the European market. However, the fact that the project has been suspended at this point raises question marks in the investment ecosystem.

The cautious stance of company officials at the fair fuels the debate about whether the investment has been completely canceled or not. BYD may be re-evaluating its strategic priorities or changes in global market dynamics may be affecting its investment plans. Still, the lack of an official statement makes it difficult to manage the expectations of industry stakeholders.

Production Targets and Technological Expectations Are Changing

The planned facility was intended to focus not only on electric vehicles but also on rechargeable hybrid models. This diversity was seen as a factor that would increase Turkey's competencies in automotive production. The annual production capacity of 150 thousand units offered a scale that would reinforce Turkey's position as the production base in Europe. The fact that no concrete steps have been taken towards the construction of the factory at the moment makes us wonder under what conditions the investment can continue in the future.

Automotive industry experts state that Chinese manufacturers may revise their strategies due to customs duties and regulations for Europe. Türkiye continues to be a critical stop for BYD in this process, with both its logistics advantages and its large market. However, the company's silence leaves the question of when and how Turkey will be able to implement this major investment as a problem waiting to be answered.