Ford Makes Strides in Electric Revolution
In a groundbreaking move towards electrifying the automotive industry, Ford Otosan, Turkey’s leading player in the electrification transformation, continues to make waves. Ford Otosan, the European hub for commercial vehicles, has taken on the engineering and production responsibility for the new Ford E-Transit Courier, E-Tourneo Courier, and Ford Puma Gen-E, now in production at the Craiova factory in Romania. This significant step not only strengthens the electrification journey with new fully electric models but also marks a pivotal milestone in the transition to zero-emission mobility.
Ford Otosan’s Chairman of the Board, Ali Y. Koç, emphasized the long-standing commitment of the Koç Group to investing in the automotive industry, highlighting its strategic importance within the Group’s vision. “With the acquisition of the Craiova Factory in 2022, Ford Otosan has played a key role in further strengthening the commercial relations between Turkey and Romania,” he said. Today, as Romania’s second-largest exporter, Ford Otosan continues to contribute to this bond.
More than just a production center, the Craiova factory creates an ecosystem that reinforces Turkey’s strategic position in the global supply chain. The collaboration with over 60 suppliers from Turkey for vehicles manufactured in Romania is a testament to our international value creation capabilities. The upcoming E-Transit Courier, E-Tourneo Courier, and the fully electric versions of the best-selling Ford Puma Gen-E produced at this facility will further solidify our position in the European market.
Efficiency and Innovation at the Craiova Factory
Highlighting the factory’s exceptional efficiency, Özyurt, Ford Otosan, described the Craiova Factory as one of Europe’s most efficient production facilities. He emphasized its unique flexible manufacturing structure, making it the only plant capable of producing passenger cars, commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines, and fully electric vehicles on the same production line. “At the core of Ford’s strategy is the electrification of our iconic models. In line with this vision, by bringing to life electric versions of all the vehicles we produce, we are not only enhancing our country’s technological capabilities but also taking great pride in playing a critical role in Ford Europe’s electrification roadmap,” he said.
In recent years, Ford Otosan has made significant investments in electrification and next-generation vehicle technologies. Out of the 2 billion Euro investment plan announced in 2021, the company has completed 1.9 billion Euros. As a result, the Kocaeli factories have transformed into Turkey’s first integrated production hub for internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. With these investments, Ford Otosan continues to lead the way in the electrification transformation as Europe’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.
By embracing electric technology, Ford is not only revolutionizing the automotive industry but also setting a new standard for sustainable mobility. As the world moves towards a greener future, Ford’s commitment to innovation and sustainability ensures a promising path ahead. With its latest electric models hitting the market, Ford Otosan is driving change, one electric vehicle at a time.
