Automotive Exports March 2023

1

Monthly automotive aftermarket magazine
GROUP CHAIRMAN
H. FERRUH ISIK
PUBLISHER:
İstmag Magazin Gazetecilik
İç ve Dış Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
Managing Editor (Responsible)
Mehmet Söztutan
mehmet.soztutan@img.com.tr
Advertising Managers
Adem Saçın
+90 505 577 36 42
adem.sacin@img.com.tr
EDİToR
Mehmet Soztutan, Editor-in-Chief
mehmet.soztutan@img.com.tr
Enes Karadayı
enes.karadayi@img.com.tr
International Marketing Coordinator
Ayca Sarioglu
ayca.sarioglu@img.com.tr
Editor
Yusuf Okçu
yusuf.okcu@img.com.tr
Finance Manager
Cuma Karaman
cuma.karaman@img.com.tr
Digital Assets Manager
Emre Yener
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Technical Manager
Tayfun Aydın
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Design & Graphics
Sami aktaş
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Accountant
Yusuf Demirkazık
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Subsciption
İsmail Özçelik
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Innovative and competitive
The automotive industry is one of the remarkable “locomotives” of the Turkish
economy. It assembles some of the country’s largest exporters and represents one
of the leading industries. A multitude of enterprises engage themselves in both
production and trading, adding enormous value to the already dynamism of the
automotive industry.
Türkiye's autoparts industry exports are increasing steadily year by year.
It is the only country within the surrounding geographical area to have established
a well-advanced automotive industry. Therefore, the automotive industry is
strategically important both for Türkiye and for the firms that invest in Türkiye.
In order to adapt to the changing competitive environment, companies closely follow
technological developments and continue to invest in innovation and expansion.
With the help of their advanced manufacturing capabilities, they produce prototypes,
use testing facilities, perform CNC-based and conventional machining, engage in
product development, pursue collective R&D activities with foreign and domestic
companies and use CAD-CAM applications during the design process.
The Turkish automotive supplier industry produces almost all types of parts,
innovative components and spare parts such as engines and engine parts, power
train parts and components, brake and clutch parts and components, hydraulic
and pneumatic systems, suspension systems, security systems, rubber and plastic
parts, chassis, frames and parts, casting and forging, electrical equipment and parts,
lighting systems, accumulator batteries, seats etc.
The structure of the automotive industry is changing dynamically, making Türkiye an
alternative suppliers center for global manufacturers.
Our publications remain at the service of those business people seeking to increase
their share in the increasingly competitive automotive markets.
This month, we will participate in Equip Auto Algeria, 2023 to convey the message
of Turkish automotive exporters.
We are convinced that fairs and exhibitions would be instrumental to increase
business opportunities in the automotive industry.
We wish lucrative trade for all participants. We wish Turkish automotive exporters
and their trading business people lucrative business.
automotiveexport
automotiveexports

EQUIP AUTO Algeria 2023-International Trade Show
for Automotive Aftersales and Services for Mobility
A trade event bringing together
manufacturers, distributors and repairers
from the automotive market seeking new
products, services and partners, The 16 th
edition of EQUIP AUTO ALGIERS, ALGERIA
will take place from 13rd to 16th March
2023 at the Palais des Expositions of Pins
Maritimes, in Algiers.
The event includes the sectors such
as Automobiles, Automotive Parts,
Automotive Services, Service Station
Supply, Bicycles, Motorcycles by focusing
mainly on:
Bodywork , Painting Equipment ,
Accessories, Repair – Maintenance,
Troubleshooting- Networks, Washing
Services.
EQUIP AUTO Algeria is the only Algerian
trade fair specialising in automotive
aftersales, repairs and maintenance,
covering both light vehicles and heavy
goods vehicles. EQUIP AUTO ALGERIA,
genuine business generator in the
automotive aftersales and maintenance
ecosystem, your gateway to the North
African market. Meet your future business
and industrial partners at EQUIP AUTO
ALGERIA. EQUIP AUTO ALGERIA attracts
a visiting public that grows each year,
with an 89% satisfaction rate. Visitors are
distributors, repair professionals and fleet
managers from Algeria, the Middle East
and North Africa.
At the heart of a new expanding
environment of commercial and industrial
dynamism, The EQUIP AUTO ALGERIA
welcomes professional visitors. The visitors
come essentially for the distribution of
trade in import and export.
March 2023 10

Automotive market grew 6 percent last year
The combined sales of passenger cars and
light commercial vehicles (LCV) increased
by 6.2 percent in 2022 from the previous
year to more than 780,000.
Passenger car sales grew 5.5 percent
to 593,000, data from the Automotive
Distributors’ and Mobility Association
(ODMD).
The light commercial vehicle market
expanded by 8.6 percent as a total of
191,000 LCVs were sold in Türkiye last year.
In December alone, total vehicle sales
leaped 85 percent from December 2021 to
reach 115,000.
The ODMD reported that passenger sales
rose by 99.2 percent year-on-year last
month to around 87,000, while the LCV
sales grew 55.2 percent to 28,500.
The combined sales of passenger cars and
LCVs last month were, however, 0.8 percent
lower than the 10-year December average.
In December, 1,519 electric vehicles (EVs)
were sold on the local market. Even though
sales soared 252 percent from the same
month of 2021, EV sales accounted for only
1.8 percent of all vehicle sales in Türkiye.
In the whole of 2022, EV sales amounted to
7,7300, showing an increase of 171 percent
from the previous year.
As domestically produced Togg is preparing
to enter the market this year, electric
vehicle sales are expected to rise to 40,000
in 2023.
Hybrid vehicle sales grew 30 percent last
year from 2021 to 64,387, accounting
for 11 percent of all vehicle sales, while
in December alone, sales increased 104
percent year-on-year to 8,794.
March 2023 12

The country’s large automotive industry
is optimistic that, despite challenges, it
may increase its export revenues this year
compared to 2022.
The automotive sector aims to generate
$34 billion in exports this year, up from
$31 billion in 2022, said the Automotive
Industry Exporters’ Association (OİB)
earlier.
The industry managed to increase its
export revenues by 5.7 percent last year
from 2021, even though it faced strong
headwinds, including the troubles in
Europe’s economy, its main export market,
the chip shortage, elevated inflation, higher
energy costs and the looming recession
risks in the global economy, OİB head Baran
Çelik said.
March
2023
14

Mexican states in
hot competition over
possible Tesla plant
Mexico is undergoing a fevered competition among states
to win a potential Tesla facility in jostling reminiscent of
what happens among U.S. cities and states vying to win
investments from tech companies.Mexican governors have
gone to loopy extremes, like putting up billboards, producing
special car lanes or producing mock-ups of Tesla ads for their
states. And there’s no guarantee Tesla will build a full-fledged
factory. Nothing is announced, and the frenzy is based mainly
on Mexican officials saying Tesla boss Elon Musk will have an
upcoming phone call with Mexican President Andres Manuel
Lopez Obrador. The northern industrial state of Nuevo Leon
seemed to have an early edge in the race. It painted the
Tesla logo on a lane at the Colombia border crossing into
Texas last summer, and erecting billboards in December in
the state capital, Monterrey, that read “Welcome Tesla.” The
state governor’s influencer wife, Mariana Rodriguez, was
even shown in leaked photos at a get-together with Musk.
However, Lopez Obrador appeared to exclude the semidesert
state from consideration, arguing he wouldn’t allow
the typically high water use of factories to risk prompting
shortages
there. That set off a competitive scramble among other
Mexican states, like feeding time at a piranha tank. The
governors’ offers ranged from crafty proposals to nearcomic
ones. “Veracruz is the only state with an excess of
gas,” quipped Gov. Cuitláhuac García of the Gulf coast state
of Veracruz, before quickly adding “gas … for industrial use,
for industrial use!” The governor of the western state of
Michoacan wasn’t going to be left out. Gov. Alfredo Ramírez
Bedolla quickly posted a mocked-up ad for a Tesla car
standing next to a huge, car-sized avocado, Michoacan’s most
recognizable product, with the slogan “Michoacan, The Best
Choice for Tesla.”
March 2023 22

Togg to
penetrate into
foreign markets
in two years
The aim is to commence the export of
domestically produced Togg vehicles
in two years after the vehicles are
introduced to the local market, Industry
and Technology Minister Mustafa Varank
has said.
Varank visited Togg’s “Digital Mobility
Garden” at the major CES tech show in
the U.S.
Togg, the country’s first homemade
electric vehicle, will start to collect preorders
in February.
“We will see Togg vehicles on [Türkiye’s]
roads toward the end of March. Our
target is to start exporting [Togg] two
years after they are introduced to the
local market,” Varank said.
Works are underway to obtain necessary
permissions for Togg vehicles in several
countries but chiefly in Europe, he added.
“Presently, there is demand [of Togg
vehicles] from the world’s different
regions…from the Middle East, Central
Asia and Europe,” Varank said.
The inauguration of the Togg factory took
place on Oct. 29, 2022, in the Gemlik
district of the industrial province of
Bursa, and the first car rolled off from the
assembly line with a ceremony attended
by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Togg plans to produce 20,000 C-SUV
vehicles this year, and its plant will initially
have an annual production capacity of
100,000 vehicles but the capacity will
later rise to 175,000 units as Togg starts to
manufacture new models.
Togg has plans to list on a stock exchange
abroad, Gürcan Karakaş, its CEO, said in
November last year.
“Listing our shares has always been part
of our plans. But our primary target is a
stock market listing abroad,” he said at
that time.
“We think we should do that on a large
stock exchange with our share in the
market at that time,” Karakaş said without
providing other details.
The introduction of Togg vehicles is
expected to give a boost to electric
vehicles in Türkiye.
Including new models to be introduced by
other carmakers, electric vehicle sales in
Türkiye are expected to reach 40,000 units
in 2023, which means the share of EVs in
total vehicle sales will climb to 7 percent.
A total of 7,733 electric vehicles were
sold in Türkiye last year, up 172 percent
from 2021, according to data from the
Automotive Distributors’ and Mobility
Association (ODMD). Electric vehicle s
March 2023 26

Şener Oto planning to open to new markets
Şener Oto’s target in 2023 is the North African and South American markets
Executive Board Members
Burak Şener - Tekin Şener
Şener Oto distributes original and subindustry
spare parts for automobiles,
light commercial and heavy vehicles. The
company is one of the leading brands in
the supply of spare parts with its logistics
center located in 5 different cities. Şener
Oto export manager, Burak Şener, gave
information about their 2023 plans.
First of all, could you give some
information about Şener Oto? What
kind of products do you produce for the
automotive industry?
We distribute original and sub-industry
spare parts for automobiles, light
commercial and heavy vehicles in Şener
Oto and its group companies. Our strongest
vehicle groups are Ford and PSA brand
vehicles. We serve with more than 60,000
products in both mechanical and bodywork
product groups. We are an auto spare parts
distributor for 49 years. With more than
400 employees, logistics centers located
in 5 different provinces and 40 sales
representatives in the field, we provide
services to cover all automobile, light
commercial and heavy vehicle brands.
Which brands do you supply for the
automotive industry? Could you tell
us about your cooperation with these
brands?
First of all, we are Ford original spare parts
authorized dealer. We distribute original
spare parts in Turkiye. In addition, we are a
member of Group Auto and we distribute
the most popular global aftermarket
brands. Finally, we sell our Fase and
Recover brands, all rights of which belong
to us, all over Turkiye and to 50 different
countries around the world.
Could you tell us about your export
activities? Which regions and countries do
you export to?
Our focus in exports is all of Turkiye’s
neighbors, Eastern Europe, the Middle
East and North Africa. We participate
in 4 fairs on different continents every
year, including Automechanika Istanbul.
Our annual turnover is 20% export, 80%
domestic market.
How would you evaluate the year 2022 on
behalf of your brand?
2022 has been a productive year for
us. We have increased our business
volume satisfactorily. All over the world,
the pandemic and its aftermath have
significantly increased the logistical
importance of Turkey. We all know how
advanced our country’s opportunities are
in the automotive aftermarket industry. We
use this advantage correctly and increase
our product range every year. At the same
time, we are taking firm steps towards
becoming a more inclusive supplier. In
this sense, 2022 has been a year in which
we have grown in exports by focusing on
professionalization.
What are your goals for 2023? Will you
have new investment plans and new
market initiations for exports in 2023?
2023 is a year with high expectations.
We have the idea of opening a new
logistics warehouse in order to increase
our capacity. In exports, countries such
as Algeria, Egypt and Brazil are our target
markets this year.
How is the worldwide view of our country
in the industry?
As I said, Turkiye has a very serious
potential in the automotive aftermarket
industry. We can see that especially
European countries are aware of this.
Every year, more European and American
spare parts brands are producing products
in Tur. With the right strategy, Turkiye can
take its place among the top players in the
world automotive aftermarket industry
league. From here, I would like to thank
Automotive Exports magazine for giving us
chance to make our voices heard in global
aftermarket industry.
March 2023 28

Turkish economy likely grew 5.2% in 2022;
quakes curb 2023 outlook
Türkiye’s economy, projected to have
expanded by more than 5% in 2022
according to surveys, is robust but is
somewhat weaker in terms of growth
versus previous years, driven mainly by a
slowdown in demand.
The economy is cooling further this year,
mainly due to devastating earthquakes
that flattened a swathe of Türkiye’s
southeastern region in early February,
which could keep pressure on inflation and
stretch the government’s budget.
The economy lost momentum but
remained buoyant in the second part
of 2022 as a global slowdown dragged
exports. However, the vital tourism sector
helped Türkiye maintain one of the best
performances among G-20 countries.
The gross domestic product (GDP)
expanded by 3.9% year-over-year in the
third quarter, as both domestic and foreign
demand eased, partly due to a slowdown in
the main trading partners that hurt exports
because of the Russia-Ukraine war.
It had bounced back strongly from the
COVID-19 pandemic and grew 7.5% in
the first quarter and 7.7% in the second,
extending its hot streak of strong domestic
demand and exports.
The data, due to be released, is expected
to show that the GDP expanded by 5.2% in
2022, according to surveys by Reuters and
Anadolu Agency (AA).
Estimates in the Reuters poll of 16
economists for 2022 GDP growth ranged
between 5% and 6.2%. The poll also put
change in the fourth quarter at 3%, and
according to the median estimate, between
2.3% and 6.3%.
Expectations of 13 economists in the AA
survey hovered between 5% and 5.4%
for the year, and 2.2% and 4% for the last
quarter.
“Recent short-term trends in sectors of
economic activity indicate that either
decelerating or falling dynamics prevailed
at the end of 2022,” said Eurobank, noting
weakening exports and the fading benefits
of lira devaluation for industry sector
production volume at the end of 2022.
Türkiye’s central bank embarked on a
500-basis-point easing cycle last year to
counter the slowdown.
The government has prioritized low-
March 2023 30

interest rates to boost exports, production,
and investment and produce new jobs as
part of a new economic program. Dubbed
the Türkiye Economy Model, the program
aims to lower inflation by flipping the
country’s chronic current account deficit to
a surplus.
The central bank cut its policy rate
by another 50 basis points to support
growth in the aftermath of the massive
earthquakes that killed more than 44,200
people in southern Türkiye.
The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes struck
on Feb. 6 and destroyed around 164,000
buildings, containing some 520,000
apartments, in 11 provinces affected by
what is described as the worst disaster in
Türkiye’s modern history.
The GDP growth in 2023 is expected to be
2.8%, based on the median estimate in the
Reuters poll. Predictions ranged from 1.2%
to 3.9%. In a previous survey conducted
in January, the median estimate for 2023
economic growth stood at 3% before the
earthquake. Nine economists in the AA
survey predicted that the economy would
grow by 3.3% in 2023. Business groups and
economists have said rebuilding could cost
Türkiye up to $100 billion and shave one
to two percentage points off growth this
year. Wall Street bank JPMorgan estimated
the quake’s direct damage to buildings and
infrastructure to be $25 billion.
“The Turkish economy will be affected
by the strong earthquakes ... On the
other hand, due to this adverse event,
extensive packages of support measures
will be taken, giving a boost to the quakehit
regions and the overall economy,”
Eurobank said.
Pressure on inflation, budget
A surge in prices of goods and services,
including food and housing, due to
disruptions caused by the quakes could
keep pressure on the inflation rate, which
may fall in coming months by less than
expected, according to economists.
The consumer price index (CPI) dropped
to around 58% in January, down from the
peak of 85.5% – a 24-year high – registered
last October.
Inflation had been expected to keep
falling to around 35-40% by June, but
due to the earthquake, it could remain
above 40% heading into presidential and
parliamentary elections.
More than two million people are
estimated to have left the southeastern
region, which accounted for close to 10% of
GDP and about 16% of Türkiye’s agricultural
production last year, which could drive
food inflation higher.
The area accounted for 8.5% of Türkiye’s
exports and 6.7% of imports. However,
economists say the quakes are unlikely to
affect Türkiye’s trade balance as exports
and imports are expected to drop.
The quake also gives the government an
additional challenge on the budget, one of
the most substantial areas of the economy.
Economists had estimated that the budget
deficit to GDP ratio for 2023 would be
around 3.5% before the earthquakes, but
predictions are now rising towards 5%.
JPMorgan revised its budget deficit forecast
to 4.5% of GDP for 2023 from a previous
3.5%, drawing attention to increased
spending due to the earthquake.
March
2023
32

Global internet of cars market will top the
$210B mark by 2025
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the most significant technological
development in the 21st century. IoT has brought about a new era
of connectivity. With IoT, devices and machines can communicate
and exchange data, leading to a revolution in the automotive
industry. According to StockApps.com, the global Internet of Cars
market is predicted to exceed $210 billion by 2025.
The Internet of Cars is a networked collection of cars, sensors, and
other devices that are connected to the internet. This technology
helps drivers stay connected while on the road. It allows them to
access real-time traffic information, get notifications about recalls
or repair issues, and even pay for parking using their car.
Edith Reads StockApps’ financial analyst commented on the data.
“The Internet of cars market is experiencing exponential growth
and is likely to continue in the coming days. As the market matures,
new players will enter the space. Innovative and unique firms in
this rapidly evolving market will likely thrive. However, those that
fall behind may struggle to keep up.”
Increasing Demand for Connectivity
There has been an enormous growth in demand for connected cars
recently, and the trend might hold for the coming days. Connected
vehicles have internet access and can link with other devices
and systems. This allows for various services and features like
navigation, entertainment, and safety.
The increasing demand for connected cars can be attributed to
various reasons. There is growing popularity of smartphones
and other mobile gadgets. Besides, there is a rising demand for
digitalization—notably, the desire for better vehicle safety and
security features.
The market for vehicles over the Internet may be expanding due
to technological developments. The automobile business now has
more prospects due to the development of new technologies like
5G networks, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
For instance, 5G networks offer faster and more reliable
connectivity. This is essential for connected cars to function
effectively. Conversely, AI can help cars learn and adapt to their
environment, making them more efficient and safer to drive.
The IoT, meanwhile, allows cars to communicate with other devices
and systems. This makes it easier to manage and control various
functions and features.
Desire for EVs and Autonomous Machines
The connected and autonomous cars market will expand due to
consumer demand for electrified and autonomous vehicles. Due to
their environmental friendliness and fuel efficiency, EVs are more
widely accepted. Besides, autonomous cars will revolutionize how
we drive and travel. They provide safer, more reliable, and more
convenient transportation solutions.
There is an increasing need for linked automobiles as EVs and
driverless vehicles become popular. EVs’ performance can be
enhanced by connected cars, which will increase their efficiency.
Similarly, they can improve the safety and ability of autonomous
vehicles. The improved safety and comfort will make them more
appealing to consumers.
The automotive industry, however, may face new chances and
difficulties as the market changes. Companies that can adapt and
innovate will likely succeed in this fast-growing sector.
March 2023 34

SOCAR offers free fuel for Türkiye’s disaster
response vehicles
The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan
Republic’s (SOCAR) Türkiye branch, SOCAR
Turkey, is offering free fuel to emergency
vehicles in five cities affected by the
massive earthquakes in Türkiye’s southeast.
The company stated that it will provide
gasoline and diesel to ambulances,
fire engines, search and rescue
vehicles of the Disaster and Emergency
Management Authority (AFAD) and
other official institutions at selected
stations in Adıyaman, Gaziantep, Hatay,
Kahramanmaraş and Şanlıurfa.
However, they noted they cannot supply
fuel to individual vehicles in the earthquake
area and urged the public to only call the
designated stations to avoid hindering
rescue efforts.
The information on the refueling stations
can be found in the statement made by the
company.
The 7.7 and 7.6 magnitude earthquakes
centered in the Pazarcık and Elbistan
districts of Kahramanmaraş province have
affected 10 provinces in Türkiye’s south.
According to the latest official figures, the
quakes left over 8,000 dead and at least.
March 2023 36

Innovation by Devran Motor to automotive industry
Devran Engine Bearings and Bushings Industry brings innovation to the sector with the new technology
Sputter Bearing (PVD Technology).
Devran Motor Bearings and Bushings
Industry, which has been manufacturing
quality products for the automotive
sector for more than 50 years, produces
spare parts for vehicles in many different
segments, especially automobile,
light commercial, truck, bus, heavy
commercial, tractor, agricultural
machinery. Pointing out that they supply
spare parts to more than 100 countries,
mainly in Europe, Asia and Africa, Murat
Tetikli, General Manager of the company
announced that they have brought
innovation to production with the
Sputter engine bearing technology.
“We continue to add innovation to the
industry”
Expressing that their aim is to bring
innovation to the sector in line with
their own principles, Tetikli said, “We
are honored to serve the Defense
Industry of the Republic of Turkey,
which is celebrating its centennial.
We are pleased to introduce Sputter
technology to our country in 2023.
Our company, which makes a hundred
percent domestic production, brought
the powdering technology to our country
about 20 years ago. This year, we bring
Sputter technology to the industry and
Turkey.”
Saying that they have developed in
production with technology recently,
Murat Tetikli said about the new PVD
technology: “Today, with the developing
technology, the fuel of diesel engines
has decreased and their power has
increased. The increase in cylinder
pressure is one of the main reasons for
this. With the increasing pressure, the
strength of the bimetal and trimetal
bearings in the engine decreased. As
Devran Motor Bearings and Bushings
Industry, we are trying to bring
innovation to the sector with our solid,
durable and continuous principles. That’s
why we started to produce new engine
bearings with our newly developed
‘Physical Vapor Deposition’ (PVD)
method. Sputter is a coating technique.
With this technology, a thin layer is
formed by spraying the finest particles
with gas atoms with a positive charge
in a vacuum environment and spraying
them onto the negatively charged
surface.”
March 2023 38

Devran Motor will grow in 2023
General Manager Murat Tetikli, who
also gave information about the other
works they will do in 2023, concluded
his words as follows: “This year, as
Devran Motor Bearings, we have added
innovation to our industry with Sputter
technology. We are in cooperation
with serious companies in the Turkish
automotive sector with OEM (Original
Equipment Manufacturer) products. Our
target in 2023 is to increase the market
value by growing continuously. With our
new production lines, we aim to move
towards more exports. We will improve
our technology and ensure the continuity
of product and service standards.
We want to carry this consciousness to
future generations. On this occasion, we
celebrate the 100th Anniversary of your
Republic and commemorate its founder,
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with love and
respect.
March
2023
39

Turkish Technic to provide free maintenance for
global airlines flying to quake zone
Turkish Technic, the maintenance, repair and overhaul arm
of flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY), has started providing
maintenance services without labor charges to international
airlines flying to Türkiye’s earthquake-hit southeastern region to
render help.
Over 42,000 people were killed by the back-to-back quakes in
southeastern Türkiye on Feb. 6, according to the latest official
figures. Thousands of others were injured.
The magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 earthquakes, centered in the
Kahramanmaras province, affected more than 13 million people
across 11 provinces, including Adana, Adıyaman, Diyarbakır,
Gaziantep, Hatay, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye, Elaziğ and Şanlıurfa.
In response to the devastating earthquakes, aid and support
have poured in from around the world.
Including the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Libya,
Vietnam and China, Turkish Technic has so far serviced airlines
from over 10 countries that carried humanitarian aid and search
and rescue teams to the earthquake zone.
Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Technic’s chair, said: “As the flag carrier, we
are working closely with our affiliates and utilizing any resources
available to help our nation recover from the devastating
earthquake.”
“Even in difficult conditions, we will show Turkish hospitality and
be grateful for every step taken to help,” he said.
March 2023 42

Ford, LG Energy,
Koç Holding
team up for
Turkish battery
cell plant
Ford, LG Energy Solution (LGES) and
Turkish conglomerate Koç Holding have
signed a nonbinding agreement to form
a joint venture (JV) to establish one of
Europe’s biggest electric vehicle battery
cell facilities in Türkiye, the companies
said. The agreement comes after South
Korean electric vehicle maker SK On, a
unit of SK Innovation Co. Ltd, withdrew
from the joint venture in which it was
meant to be a partner under a deal
agreed last year. The new joint venture,
which will be located in an organized
industrial zone near Ankara, is expected to
break ground later this year, with battery
cell production set to begin in 2026.
The three parties committed to at least
25 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of annual
production capacity, which could
potentially expand up to 45 GWh.
By 2035, Ford in Europe is on track to
offer an all-electric fleet of vans and
passenger vehicles.
“Ford continues to ramp up our electric
vehicle plans as we scale to be a leader
in the electric vehicle revolution. We are
delivering on the commitment to produce
batteries in the same region where we
build electric vehicles. Establishing the
new joint venture with LGES and Koç
Holding will lay a solid foundation that
is fundamental to building a thriving
electric vehicle future for Ford in Europe,”
said Lisa Drake, vice president of Ford EV
Industrialization.
The automobile manufacturer has a longstanding
business relationship with LG
and Koç Holding.
Ford and LG worked together for over a
decade, with LG most recently supplying
batteries from its plant in Poland for the
Ford Mustang Mach-E and E-Transit.
Ford and Koç Holding have a partnership
that stretches back almost a century and
includes the successful Ford Otosan joint
venture, now over 60 years old.
“Our longtime business relationship with
Ford is the result of our commitment
March 2023 44

to deliver unmatched product
competitiveness, stable yields and global
operational expertise, made possible by
our extensive knowledge accumulated
through pre-emptive investments in
global markets,” said Youngsoo Kwon, CEO
of LG Energy Solution.
“Now joining forces with Ford and Koç
in Türkiye, we will bring in our leading
battery technology to further boost the
EV transition in Europe, leading the global
initiatives for a more sustainable future.”
“We deeply feel the pain of the terrible
earthquake disaster that occurred on
Feb. 6. As Koç Group, we mobilized all
our resources for our country. We believe
that investments such as this major one
will play a crucial role in overcoming this
extraordinarily difficult period. In this
respect, we underline our determination
to implement this investment facility
with two global companies which will
bring our country a significant global
competitive advantage in the automotive
industry. We express our condolences
to our nation and truly believe that we
will overcome these difficult times with
unity and solidarity,” Koç Holding said in a
statement.
“As Europe’s leading commercial vehicle
brand for the past eight years, we want
to continue providing our customers
with the most efficient and innovative
vehicles supporting their business goals
through our Ford Pro vehicle services
and distribution business. This new
battery joint venture is a prime example
of how we are leveraging our strategic
business relationships to strengthen our
business.”LG Energy Solution, which has
the largest global battery manufacturing
network in the world, currently has a total
annual production capacity of 200 GWh.
The company plans to increase capacity to
300 GWh by the end of the year.
March
2023
46

The Little Car Company to launch special
edition ‘Pacco Gara’ Ferrari Testa Rossa J
The Little Car Company, in partnership
with Ferrari, has launched a special edition
of the Ferrari Testa Rossa J to further
celebrate the racing history of the marque.
The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a fully electric
75% scale reproduction of the legendary
250 Testa Rossa, which powered Ferrari to
Le Mans glory three times.
Like the original Ferrari Testa Rossa J,
The Little Car Company and Ferrari have
worked in close collaboration to curate
and handcraft this unique special edition.
Ensuring that the Pacco Gara meets the
supreme standards of the Ferrari moniker,
The Little Car Company has continued its
close relationship with the engineers at
Maranello, with the Ferrari team even
selecting the Pacco Gara name.
The Pacco Gara special edition will bring a
range of upgrades to accentuate the racing
DNA of the Testa Rossa J. The addition of
a racing roll cage offers extra protection
for those drivers wishing to enjoy their
Testa Rossa J in racing environments. A
bolt-on modification, the roll cage will be
removable, offering clients the freedom
to alternate the appearance of their Testa
Rossa J.
Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors will
appreciate the finer details as they step
into the cockpit. The Pacco Gara offers a
Sabelt racing harness for a true racing feel
and is bolted to the chassis and rollhoop.
Another nod to Ferrari’s monumental
racing pedigree, Sabelt harnesses are also
used on the Scuderia’s F1 cars – a further
invitation to drive the Testa Rossa J like the
original was intended to be driven. And
true to the original 250 Testa Rossa, an
additional exterior mirror has been fitted to
the driver’s side, along with period-correct
spotlights.
Bringing drivers closer to the feel of the
original, the addition of adjustable dampers
and brake bias enables them to tune the
balance of their Testa Rossa J. Offering
a more flexible and personal driving
experience, the addition of the adjustable
features will only increase the immersive
and invigorating nature of the Ferrari Testa
Rossa J.
Ensuring accuracy with the original vehicle,
a tonneau cover over the passenger side
has also been incorporated, in the same
Ferrari leather as the interior of the car,
which is offered in either red or black.
Underneath the glorious aesthetic
upgrades are a variety of performance
enhancements that offer more power
and give the driver of the Testa Rossa J an
enriched racing experience. These discrete
changes include drilled brake discs, and a
quicker ratio steering rack, all creating a
more responsive and track-focused car.
The biggest performance enhancement in
the Pacco Gara edition of the Ferrari Testa
Rossa J is its increased power to 14kw.
Purely a software upgrade, this will take the
Testa Rossa J from 16bhp to 19bhp. With
the original 250 Testa Rossa a racing icon,
a boost in power edges the Testa Rossa J
closer to that inimitable performance.
“The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a modern
reimagining of not only one of motorsport’s
most iconic racers, but also one of the
most important cars of the 20th century.
As we launch the new special Pacco Gara
edition of the Testa Rossa J, a fine example
of our close collaboration with the team
at Ferrari, we have given it a racing boost,
with exciting advancements to both
the aesthetic of the car, and the overall
performance,” said Ben Hedley, CEO, The
Little Car Company.
“Our team has worked meticulously to
ensure that each new feature of the Pacco
Gara enhances the driving experience of
the Testa Rossa J. Every element of the
Pacco Gara has been developed with, and
signed off by, the team at Maranello and
is focused on paying homage to one of
history’s great racers, while also offering
drivers a substantial, tangible taste of what
it feels like to be behind its wheel. And
for a car as uniquely thrilling as the Pacco
Gara Testa Rossa J, it is only right that its
public unveiling is in a location equally as
stimulating: the International Concours
of Elegance at St Moritz. Between 24-25
February, the Pacco Gara Testa Rossa J will
be on display (and available to test drive) in
the stunning snow,” added Hedley.
March 2023 48

Mercedes-Benz unveils Google partnership for
cars with ‘supercomputers’
Mercedes-Benz said it has teamed up with
Google on navigation and will offer “super
computer-like performance” in every
car with automated driving sensors as it
seeks to compete with Tesla and Chinese
newcomers.
Carmakers are racing to develop
software systems with tech companies
that customers will recognize. But car
companies also want to keep control over
their customer relationships and valuable
data generated by their cars.
“Every single Mercedes from that point
forward will have a supercomputer in it,”
Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said at an
event in Sunnyvale, California, referring to
the mid-decade launch of its new operating
system MB.OS.
The carmaker generated over 1 billion
euros ($1.06 billion) from software-enabled
revenues in 2022 and expected that figure
to rise to a high single-digit billion euro
figure by the decade’s end.
This is a more conservative estimate as a
proportion of total revenue than others like
Stellantis, and General Motors have put
forward.
“We take a prudent approach because no
one knows how big that potential pot of
gold is at this stage,” Kaellenius said.
Vehicles on Mercedes’ upcoming modular
architecture platform will have so-called
hyper screens extending across the car’s
cockpit and a comprehensive set of sensors
for automated driving, Kaellenius said.
Mercedes-Benz is moving from a
patchwork approach of integrating
software from a range of suppliers to
controlling the core of its software. But
the company emphasized that its strategy
was to work with partners like Nvidia
for autonomous driving and Google for
navigation.
Under the Google partnership, Google
Maps will be Mercedes-branded and
provide drivers with Google traffic
information, automatic rerouting, and
the ability to watch YouTube on the cars’
entertainment system when the vehicle is
parked or in Level 3 autonomous driving
mode. Level 3 driving, for which Mercedes-
Benz has received certification in Germany
and Nevada in the United States, allows
drivers to take their eyes off the wheel on
certain roads as long as they can resume
control if needed.
Google and Mercedes-Benz also agreed
to explore further collaboration with
Google Cloud data and artificial intelligence
capabilities.
Other carmakers like General Motors,
Renault, Nissan, and Ford have embedded
a package of Google services into their
vehicles, offering features like Google
Maps, Google Assistant, and other
applications.
Self-driving sensor maker Luminar
Technologies Inc, in which Mercedes owns
a small stake, said in a separate statement
it had struck a multi-billion dollar deal
with the carmaker to integrate its sensors
across a broad range of its vehicles by middecade.
Shares in Luminar jumped more than 25%
following the announcement.
March 2023 50

Electric cars
sales hit new
record in Europe
Sales of electric vehicles in the European
Union set a new market share record in
2022, industry data showed, as the region
seeks to rid itself of fossil fuel cars.
Battery-powered electric cars accounted for
12.1% of new car sales, compared to 9.1%
in 2021 and 1.9% in 2019, according to
the European Automobile Manufacturers’
Association (ACEA). The EU has agreed to
ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars
from 2035 as part of the 27-nation bloc’s
effort to build a carbon-neutral economy
by 2050. Sales of electric vehicles rose
28% last year, with more than 1.1 million
vehicles sold.These rises were notably
driven by the German market, where sales
accelerated at the end of the year, just
before a drop in purchase bonuses.
In Norway, a record four out of five new
cars (79%) sold last year were electric, in a
major oil-producing country that aims to
end the sale of new fossil fuel cars by 2025
– a decade ahead of the EU’s ban.
The Italian market was the only one to put
a brake on the electric engine in 2022, with
sales falling by 26.9%. It was also a strong
year for hybrid cars, which achieved a
market share of 22.6%.
‘Moving fast’
Traditional petrol and diesel-fueled cars
continued to lose ground, despite still
accounting for more than half of EU car
sales in 2022 at 52.8%.
Diesel, hit by heavy penalties and a
shrinking offer in manufacturers’ ranges,
continues on its downward slope, dropping
by almost 20% with 1.5 million vehicles
sold. European automakers are investing
250 billion euros ($272 billion) in their
electrification, said Luca de Meo, ACEA
president and chief executive of French
automaker Renault.
“The auto industry is moving fast,” he said.
But De Meo said Europe needs more public
charging stations, with installations limited
to 2,000 per week in the EU, while 14,000
are needed to ensure the continent’s
transition.
“Despite many announcements and recent
progress, infrastructure development is
lagging behind the industry efforts,” De
Meo said.
With their high prices, electric cars are
currently being purchased by “wealthy”
households, but that should change
with the generalisation of electric cars,
according to ACEA president.
While electric market leader Tesla sharply
lowered its prices at the beginning of 2023,
De Meo warned that getting into a price
war would be counterproductive, adding:
“We need to invest.”
March 2023 54

Record number of Turkish firms pour in for
IDEX arms fair in UAE
More than 50 Turkish defense companies
offered a range of products for sale at
the biennial arms fair in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE), marking the country’s
highest participation in recent years.
Attended by the industry’s most prominent
players and high-level official delegations
from all over the world, the International
Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX),
held in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi,
highlights the Turkish arms industry’s rise
over recent years.
Spearheaded by armed drones, the Turkish
defense industry has made its way into the
global spotlight and transformed into a
major manufacturer and exporter.
Held every other year, IDEX is the only
international defense fair and conference
held in the Middle East and North Africa
(MENA) region.
The latest technologies in land, sea and
air defense were featured, which is held
together with the NAVDEX Maritime
Defense and Security Event.
Türkiye is taking part in the fairs with
over 50 defense firms together with the
country’s Presidency of Defense Industries
(SSB) and the Turkish Defense and
Aerospace Industry Exporters Association.
During the event, various products by
Turkish defense companies are being
presented, including unmanned land and
air vehicles, armored vehicle platforms,
weapons systems, electronic systems,
ammunition, simulators and logistics
support products.
Among them, a giant Akıncı armed drone
by Baykar has also been parked at the
exhibition. The Turkish drone company’s
Bayraktar unmanned combat aerial
vehicles are known as having played critical
roles in multiple conflicts, including Syria,
Libya and lastly Ukraine.
Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones played such
a key role in Kyiv’s campaign against Russia
that there is even a song in Ukrainian about
the aircraft.
During the fair, the official Turkish
delegation was expected to meet and hold
talks with UAE officials and delegations
from other countries.
Besides Baykar, other Turkish firms at
this year’s IDEX include Asfat, Bites, BMC,
Dearsan, Desan, Samsun Yurt Savunma
(Canik), FNSS, Gürbağ Defense, Aselsan,
Dasal, Havelsan, MKE, Otokar, Repkon,
Roketsan, Sarsılmaz, SDT, STM, TAIS and
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
March 2023 56

Capital boost to help Türkiye’s top bank
drive economy in 2023
An injection of additional capital will help
Ziraat Bank to spearhead President Recep
Tayyip Erdoğan’s drive to boost economic
growth and tackle chronic current account
deficits this year, the head of Türkiye’s
largest lender said.
Chief Executive Alpaslan Çakar, who is
also chairperson of the Turkish Banks
Association (TBB), said state banks like
Ziraat were the driving force in the
economy in recent years and would carry
on even as they seek to pay dividends in
2023.
He downplayed concerns raised by privatesector
counterparts over risks posed by
an array of bond-holding regulations, and
he said the credit would continue to boost
sectors like manufacturing and agriculture.
Erdoğan introduced a “new economic
model” in 2021 that prioritizes growth,
investment and exports and is aimed at
flipping Türkiye’s persistent trade deficits, a
major component of the current account.
The model relies on targeted loans and low
interest rates and also aims at eventually
helping reduce inflation.
“We will give significant support to
Türkiye’s economic model. For that
reason, we want to be strong in capital
terms,” Çakar told Reuters in an interview
conducted late last month.
In December, Reuters reported, citing
sources, that state-owned banks were in
talks with the Treasury and the sovereign
wealth fund to secure more capital,
allowing them to boost lending ahead of
presidential and parliamentary elections
this year.
“There is no clear figure yet for the capital
increase of state banks. We are consulting
with the relevant institutions on this issue,”
Çakar said at Ziraat’s Istanbul headquarters.
Alpaslan Çakar, the CEO of Türkiye’s biggest
bank Ziraat and chairperson of the board
of the Banks Association of Türkiye (TBB),
poses during an interview with Reuters in
Istanbul, Türkiye, Dec. 23, 2022. (Reuters
Photo)
The economy is expected to have
expanded by 5% in 2022 but growth was
set to cool toward the end of the year. The
government still foresees a 5% growth in
2023 as well.
To boost growth and back the
government’s economic vision, the central
bank has slashed its key interest rate to 9%
from 19% since September 2021.
State banks have supported the economy
with low-cost financing for the last few
years, increasing their dominance in the
financial sector and their capital needs.
State banks’ share of loans has reached a
record level near 50%.
Dividends, loans
Asked about record sector profits in
2022, Çakar confirmed a Reuters report
in late December that Turkish banks
wanted to make dividend payouts to
shareholders. The Banking Regulation and
Supervision Agency (BDDK) – which makes
recommendations each year regarding
banks’ profit distribution – was evaluating
the request, he said.
Çakar, however, said profits were set to fall
in 2023 as inflation cools.
The annual inflation in Türkiye in December
decelerated at its steepest pace in more
than a quarter century.
Annual consumer price inflation fell sharply
to 64.27% in December from the 84.39%
reported in November. The decline was
driven mainly by the so-called favorable
base effect and marked a second straight
fall after inflation hit a 24-year high of
85.5% in October.
In the January-October period, the banking
sector’s net profits leaped 417% from
a year earlier to TL 389 billion ($20.72
billion), boosted by inflation-indexed bond
yields.
Authorities have sought to discourage
foreign exchange use following the steep
depreciation in the lira in 2021.
The lira lost some 44% of its value against
the dollar in 2021. It declined another 30%
in 2022 but held mostly stable in the last
quarter.
Authorities imposed nearly 100 new
regulations on banks, including a mandate
to hold more treasury bonds, which drew
complaints from private-sector executives.
But Çakar said these holdings would not
pose risks. “The weight of fixed coupon
bonds held in the balance sheet due to
regulations will not reach a level that will
disrupt the balance sheet,” he said.
He also said that Ziraat’s selective loans
policy would continue in 2023, with the
priorities being manufacturing, agriculture
and small- and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs).
“We have become one of the banks that
gave the biggest support to the Turkish
economy model,” he said, noting its cash
loan size rose 61% to TL 1.2 trillion in 2022.
Ziraat’s non-performing loans ratio was
low at 1.1% last year, compared with 2.2%
sector-wide, he said.
He also said the bank would be active in
international funding this year, aiming for a
100% syndication renewal in February, and
seeking to increase international funding,
including via Eurobonds.
March 2023 58

LEVC Announces New Strategy to Become Zero
Carbon Mobility Technology Company
LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company)
begins a momentous new chapter, setting
its brand direction for the coming decade
and beyond, with a new strategy to
become a leading zero-carbon mobility
technology company.
Building on unrivalled heritage in purposebuilt
vehicles - LEVC has manufactured the
iconic London taxi for more than 70 years -
the company’s new strategy will see it grow
beyond manufacturing the world’s most
advanced taxi, the TX. LEVC announced its
commitment to deliver smart, green, safe
and accessible mobility solutions to more
people than ever before.
Underlining this commitment, LEVC UK also
revealed its new senior management team,
who will implement the new strategy.
The new appointments will maximise the
engineering, marketing and production
expertise that exists at the firm’s state-ofthe-art
home in Ansty, UK, backed by the
global resources of parent company Geely
Holding Group.
Alex Nan continues in his role of Global
CEO, and he will now also take on the
role of UK CEO for LEVC. He is responsible
for overseeing overall business strategy,
technology, product planning and
coordination with the Geely Holding Group.
Chris Allen, who has been appointed as
Managing Director of LEVC, after previously
holding the role of Legal Director and
Company Secretary, will be responsible for
procurement, manufacturing, technology
and quality, government affairs, as well as
mobility services. Jenny Jin has also been
appointed as Executive Director, looking
after sales, marketing and aftersales.
Moe Wang, the general manager of LEVC
Overseas will also take responsibility as the
Director of Overseas Sales for LEVC UK.
“LEVC now enters the next exciting stage
with our new brand strategy, which will see
us become a leading zero carbon mobility
technology company.Since the launch
of the TX in 2018, LEVC has experienced
rapid growth, with 9,000 global sales to
date, those vehicles travelling more than
500 million miles and preventing 152,000
tonnes of CO2from being emitted into the
atmosphere. In London, LEVC’s TX accounts
for 82% of the taxi market, and there are
now more TX’s on the streets than diesel
TX4s. LEVC looks forward to continuing to
help the capital to accelerate the transition
to a clean, green EV black cab fleet,”
commented Alex Nan, CEO, LEVC.
“Going forward, our state-of-the-art
manufacturing plant at Ansty, Coventry,
will continue to be the home of the
famous, iconic TX taxi - the London black
cab and new generation models. We will
build on LEVC’s unrivalled heritage and
grow beyond high-end taxi manufacturing,
delivering smart, green, safe and
accessible mobility to more customers
than ever before. Watch this space in
2023, as we are targeting a 20% year-onyear
sales increase, and more details on
LEVC’s strategy will be revealed in Q1,”
added Nan.
March 2023 60

Turkish BMC
Power’s
domestic
military engines
debut at
UAE fair
Turkish defense company BMC Power
is showcasing its two domestically
produced military land vehicle engines,
named Tuna and Azra, for the first time
at an international fair in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE).
The engines – developed by the company
that works to reduce Türkiye’s foreign
dependency on power and transmission
systems – are being showcased at the
IDEX International Defense Exhibition and
Conference and NAVDEX Maritime Defense
and Maritime Security Event, which took
place concurrently in Abu Dhabi, the capital
of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Mustafa Kaval, the general manager of
BMC Power, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that
this was the company’s first participation in
an international fair.
Kaval added that the serial production
of the 400 hp Tuna engine had already
started, with the first 20 engines being
delivered.
The company plans to produce a total of
90 engines, with all deliveries expected
to be completed by the end of May. The
400 hp engines are going to be used in
BMC production Vuran vehicles, and
the company is currently working on
incorporating them into Kirpi vehicles,
which they hope to complete by the end
of the year. Kaval also mentioned that the
company plans to use the 600 hp Azra
engine in tank carrier vehicles and that
they are already making preparations in
this direction. As the company’s products
are being used in the field, they are also
planning after-sale user training and
maintenance and repair training.
Kaval further highlighted the company’s
efforts to make their training programs
more efficient by utilizing new
technologies. According to Kaval, their
maintenance and repair training programs
now incorporate augmented reality
glasses that enable trained personnel to
disassemble and closely examine engine
parts, ultimately allowing maintenancerepair
personnel to perform their duties
more effectively.
Kaval expressed confidence that the
training programs will enhance the
maintenance and repair of engines in the
field.
BMC Power has established an integrated
logistics team for engine deliveries. Kaval
mentioned the team has prepared parts
catalogs, user books and training concepts
for maintenance-repair personnel that
incorporate augmented reality glasses. At
present, the maintenance-repair training
program based on augmented reality
technologies is available for the Azra
engine. The company plans to add training
programs for the Tuna, Utku and Batu
engine power groups in the near future.
Learning maintenance operations
from printed sources can be a difficult
and labor-intensive process. Typically,
gaining experience in the presence of an
experienced master trained in the field is
necessary after receiving basic training.
However, this traditional approach is
inefficient and can cause work accidents or
prolong operations.
There have been problems with trained
intermediate staff in Türkiye, and as a
result, there is an increasing need for
technical personnel to receive training in a
realistic virtual environment.
To address this need, technology firm BITES
has developed an Augmented Reality Based
Maintenance Support System that keeps
the skills and awareness of maintenance
personnel at the highest level, contributing
to the correctness of the repair the first
time.
The system utilizes augmented reality
to overcome technical and operational
difficulties in detecting and eliminating
malfunctions. Maintenance personnel can
carry out numerous training scenarios that
closely resemble real-life situations with
augmented reality glasses.
The system generates holographic content,
including written texts, drawings, 3D part
models and more, to guide personnel in
charge step by step through maintenance/
assembly scenarios in real time. Personnel
can view hardware and its parts in 3D from
different angles, enabling them to follow
instructions and complete tasks efficiently
and accurately.
BITES has recently made this system
available for use by security forces with
different models. With the Augmented
Reality Based Maintenance Support
System, maintenance personnel can receive
training in a realistic virtual environment,
enhancing their skills and improving
operational efficiency.
With the Augmented Reality Based
Virtual Maintenance System, the engines
developed by BMC Power will always be
kept ready for duty with high performance.
March 2023 62

Türkiye’s Antalya
ready to break
records in tourism
Türkiye’s Mediterranean gem of Antalya, which hosted approximately 141,000
people in January 2019, was on the holiday route of 219,647 foreign tourists
in the same period this year.
The city, which continued to host tourists with the Safe Tourism Certificate
program during the global pandemic that affected the world and closed last
year with 13.5 million foreign visitors, started 2023 with high expectations.
According to the data of the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism,
some 91,762 foreign tourists arrived by air in the city on Jan. 1-31, 2018, and
it hosted 140,856 foreigners in the same period in 2019 when records were
March 2023 66

oken in tourism. In 2020, the city, where
185,485 foreign guests came in January
when the pandemic effects had not yet
been felt. It hosted 49,841 foreign tourists
in 2021 and 138,604 foreign tourists last
year in the shadow of the pandemic.
In the city, where a hopeful atmosphere for
the 2023 season is blowing, the number of
foreign tourists arriving by air in January
reached 219,647, an increase of 58%
compared to the previous year.
In the ranking of the countries sending
the most tourists, Russia took first place
in every period. Some 71,752 guests
came from Russia in January. Germany,
with 35,214 tourists, the U.K. with 13,512
tourists, Poland with 8,086 tourists
and Israel with 7,570 tourists followed
by Russia. Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the
Netherlands, Jordan and Belgium took
place in the top 10.
Antalya Governor Ersin Yazıcı told Anadolu
Agency (AA) that 45-holiday villages and
401 hotels in 5-star concept operate in
Antalya, which has a total bed capacity of
643,051, 392,097 of which are 5-star.
Explaining that the activity in the city in the
last spring continues in the winter season,
Yazıcı said the numbers make the tourism
sector and its stakeholders happy.
Yazıcı noted that the “12 months tourism”
goal, which has been tried to be made in
the city for years, has started to enter its
accomplishment phase.
Pointing out that Antalya is a convenient
destination not only for the summer season
but also for alternative tourism areas, Yazıcı
said they also prioritize alternative tourism
elements such as congresses, fairs, sports
and health apart from the summer season,
and that they invest in these areas.
Ülkay Atmaca, Head of the Professional
Hotel Managers Association (POYD), said
that last year was a very good year and
they started 2023 with promising figures.
Emphasizing that the January figures
surpassed the January figures of 2019
when tourism was at its brightest, Atmaca
said: “The ongoing early reservation
has an effect on both the domestic and
international markets, and at the same
time, most of the passengers who have not
been able to leave their homes for the last
two winters are trying to travel.”
“January figures are very good, A good
2023 is waiting for us. I think a very good
season will start after Nevruz,” he said.
Expressing that there will be a busy
summer season this year, Atmaca stated
that Antalya is progressing very well
compared to its foreign competitors.
Noting that they hope that 2019 figures
will be exceeded this year, Atmaca said, “It
was 15.8 million in 2019, and we can easily
catch 17 million this year.”
March
2023
68

Catania starts 2023 with %100 Electric Karsan e-ATAK!
Karsan continues to strengthen its
presence abroad as its fame goes beyond
the borders of Europe thanks to its
high-tech mobility solutions. Introducing
Europe to the concept of electric mobility,
Karsan continues its deliveries in Italy
at full speed. Within the scope of the
Consip framework contract signed with
Italy, Karsan delivered 11 units of the 18
e-ATAK orders it had received from Catania
of Sicily. 11 e-ATAK buses which were
delivered by Karsan at the beginning of
2023 have entered service in the region.
The remaining 7 e-ATAK buses will be
delivered by the middle of this year.
Catania’s first electric buses: Karsan e-ATAK
Highlighting that these 11 units of 100%
electric buses were the first e-ATAK series
delivered by Karsan to Italy, Karsan CEO
Okan Baş said, “These buses became the
first electric buses of Catania.” Stating
that Karsan strengthens its presence in
Italy day by day, Karsan CEO Okan Baş
emphasized that Karsan electric buses will
serve all over Italy from the southernmost
part of the country to the northernmost
one. Pointing out the pioneering role of
Karsan in the transformation of electric
public transportation in Europe, Okan Baş
said, “As Karsan, we are one of the most
significant brands in the transformation of
public transportation in Italy as well.”
The target is the leadership in electric
midi-bus!
Emphasizing that Italy is one of the most
important target markets for Karsan,
Okan Baş said, “In this context, we are
taking steps to further strengthen our
presence as of 2023 with our Italy-based
Karsan Europe S.R. company. With Karsan
e-ATAK, we are the leader of the electric
midi-bus segment in Europe. With the
new orders we will deliver, we anticipate
that our e-ATAK model will be the leader
of the electric midi-bus segment in Italy in
2023. On the other hand, we are the first
and only European brand that can meet
the needs of public transportation in all
dimensions with our electric buses from 6
meters to 18
March 2023 70

Renault, Nissan
boards OK ‘new
era’ deal to
reboot alliance
The boards of Renault and Nissan
announced that the approval of a deal to
equalize their stake in each other, signaling
a new chapter in their 24-year and
sometimes contentious alliance.
Under the decision that aims to bring
balance to the French-Japanese
partnership and develop more shared car
platforms, both companies will own 15%
of the other. Up to now, Renault Group of
France owned 43.4% of Nissan Motor Co.,
while the Japanese automaker owned 15%
of Renault.
The uneven shareholdings had been
viewed at times as a source of conflict
in the alliance, which also includes the
smaller Japanese automaker Mitsubishi
Motors Corp.
“We have been waiting a long time for
this moment,” Renault board Chairperson
Jean Dominique Senard said at a news
conference in London.
Nissan intends to invest up to 15% in
Ampere, Renault’s electric vehicle and
software entity in Europe. Mitsubishi
Motors also will consider investing in
Ampere. The automakers will collaborate
in various markets around the world,
including Latin America, Europe and India,
they said.
The moves come at a time when the
extremely competitive auto industry is
undergoing a major shift toward electric
vehicles and other environmentally friendly
models.
The long-speculated changes to the
carmaker alliance were announced.
Shares equivalent to a 28.4% stake will be
transferred to a French trust, according to
the companies. The French government is
the top shareholder of Renault.
Renault and Nissan agreed on an orderly
sale of that stake, although there will be no
deadline on it.
The partnership will enter “a new era,”
Senard said, by boosting common
platforms and parts, as well as balancing
the stakes the companies hold.
Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida
echoed Senard’s views, vowing to
take the alliance to “the next level of
transformation” to adapt to a new era.
“This is not a choice but a need,” he said.
The executives taking part, including
Renault Group Chief Executive Luca
de Meo, stressed that collaborations,
cost cuts, model offerings and sales will
grow, noting the companies’ relationship
looked toward the future and will become
“normal.”
Senard appeared to acknowledge the
bumps along the way when he noted hopes
that past misunderstandings will be fixed.
“These frustrations are behind us,” he
told reporters. In theory, alliances are a
good way for automakers to cut costs by
sharing parts, production and technology,
especially when the industry is going
through such dramatic change.
That also means that, once formed, ending
an alliance can be difficult because the
companies’ development, manufacturing
and products get so closely tied together.
Still, partnerships can stumble because
of the different corporate cultures of the
automakers, especially when it involves a
meeting of the West and the East.
The Renault-Nissan alliance, which started
in 1999 and now includes Mitsubishi, was
for years heralded as a success story.
It was plunged into scandal when Carlos
Ghosn, the executive sent by Renault
to lead a turnaround at the then-nearbankrupt
Nissan, was arrested in Japan in
2018 on financial misconduct charges.
Documents and testimony that surfaced
after his arrest appear to show that
some people at Nissan resented Ghosn’s
grip on power and what they saw as his
extravagant lifestyle.
Japanese executives generally do not get
the big paychecks often standard for their
Western counterparts.
Ghosn, who says he is innocent, has
jumped bail and now lives in Lebanon,
which has no extradition treaty with
Japan. Both Renault and Nissan have been
distancing themselves from the Ghosn
scandal.
March 2023 72

Turkish automotive industry aims to reach
$34 billion in exports
Türkiye’s automotive industry aims to
generate $34 billion in export revenues this
year, the Automotive Industry Exporters’
Association (OİB) has said.
“Despite the economic slowdown in
Europe, our largest export market, and
changes in demand conditions, we
managed to increase our export revenues
both in December and the whole of 2022,”
said Baran Çelik, president of the OİB.
In 2023, which marks the centennial of the
republic, the automotive industry targets to
reclaim the title of most-exporting sector
by generating $34 billion in sales to foreign
markets, Çelik said in a statement.
Commenting on the performance of the
local carmakers, Çelik noted that export
revenues amounted to around $31 billion
in 2022. “We lost some $3 billion due to
the euro-dollar exchange rate.”
The industry faced multiple challenges
last year, including the chip shortage,
high inflation, rising energy prices and the
looming risk of global recession, he said.
“Those problems worsened with the
Russian-Ukraine war. However, the
automotive industry succeeded in boosting
its export revenues both in December and
2022 as a whole,” Çelik added.
Last month, exports grew 6.7 percent from
a year ago to touch $3.16 billion, which
marked an all-time-high monthly figure
for the automotive sector and accounted
for 13.8 percent of Türkiye’s overall export
revenues, according to data from the OİB.
Exports by the automotive supply sector
stood at $1.12 billion, exhibiting an annual
increase of 7 percent. This subsector’s
sales to Germany, its largest market, fell
1 percent, but its exports to Russia and
France leaped 56 percent and 18 percent,
respectively.
Local companies’ passenger car exports
generated $1.11 billion in revenue, rising
19 percent from December 2021.
France was the automotive sector’s largest
export market in December 2022. Exports
to this country increased 15 percent yearon-year
to $506 million. The OİB reported
a 3 percent rise in exports to Germany
to $358mn. Italy boosted its purchase
from the Turkish automotive sector by
11 percent to $318mn. The share of the
European Union in the sector’s exports
was 66.4 percent. Sales to the bloc grew
11 percent from December 2021 to $2
billion. In the whole of 2022, the industry’s
export revenues increased by 5.7 percent
compared to 2021 to stand at $31 billion,
which marked the second-highest export
figure ever for the automotive sector.
The supply industry’s exports were up 10
percent last year to reach $12.98 billion.
The European Union accounted for 64.7
percent - or $20 billion - of the automotive
industry’s total exports. Sales to the Middle
Eastern countries rose 20 percent, but
exports to Africa dropped 19 percent, the
OİB said.
March 2023 74

Fisker Announces ChargePoint As North American
Partner For Public Charging Solutions
Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) (“Fisker”), driven
by a mission to create the world’s most
emotional and sustainable electric
vehicles, named ChargePoint Holdings, Inc.
(NYSE: CHPT), a leading electric vehicle
(EV) charging network, as Fisker’s North
American partner for electric vehicle public
charging solutions.
The Fisker and ChargePoint collaboration
will provide Fisker EV owners with access
to more than 210,000 active ports under
management, with over 16,700 DC fast
charge ports and over 400,000 roaming
ports, making it easy to find reliable
charging. The two companies intend
to make it easy for drivers to access
ChargePoint’s industry-leading network
of Level 2 and DC fast chargers, and
roaming partner stations; which together
encompass more than 80% of public
charging spots in North America.
“The minute they get their new Fisker
Ocean, our owners want convenient and
easy-to-locate public charging stations,
a quick, easy experience when using a
public charger, and super-simple payment
options. Together with ChargePoint,
we are providing a class-leading public
charging option for Fisker owners at
delivery,” Chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker
said. “ChargePoint is a leading charging
network in North America, and their
commitment to sustainable mobility
makes the partnership a perfect fit for our
customers and our business.”
“Fisker, as a born electric car company
without the constraints of the fossil fuel
era, continues to push the envelope of
design,” said Pasquale Romano, CEO,
ChargePoint.
The ChargePoint network will be available
to Fisker Ocean owners starting with
vehicle deliveries in the US and Canada.
Fisker Ocean drivers can locate ChargePoint
and roaming partner charging stations
within the Fisker Ocean’s navigation
system and through the ChargePoint
mobile app. At launch, drivers can use
the App and the Fisker Ocean’s central
touchscreen to search for and navigate
to charging stations, filter search for DC
fast charge locations, do basic EV route
planning, and calculate arrival times
at charging stops. The Fisker Ocean,
Fisker’s ground-breaking all-electric SUV,
is available in a sold-out limited edition
Fisker Ocean One, and three additional
trim levels: Extreme, Ultra, and Sport.
The top trim Fisker Ocean Extreme travels
up to 350 miles1 on a single charge, with
dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, three driving
modes, Revolve 17.1” rotating screen,
SolarSky roof, California Mode, Smart
Traction, and many first-to-market safety
features, including the world’s first digital
radar, all for $68,9992 in the US.
March 2023 76