First Turkish-made car to appear in August: PM

“All preparations have been finalized and we will sign the papers this week,” he said at an election rally of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the Central Anatolian province of Kırıkkale, as quoted by Anadolu Agency. 

He said production of the first batch of vehicles will begin in 2016.

The Turkish government had set a target to produce a car brand by means of local resources two years ago.

However, last February, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri Işık pointed to electric automotive technology as a “new window of opportunity,” adding Turkey had “missed the train” on combustion motorized cars. 

“There’s a new, emerging technology: Long-range electric cars. This sector will be living its golden year within the next four to five years. Therefore, we wanted to use this chance and have initiated an extensive study. Now it’s time to reap the fruits,” Işık had said.