Turkey by far strongest candidate for VW's new investment, sector representatives say

Even though the final decision is yet to be announced, Turkey has the best chance to be the address of Volkswagen’s new factory investment, according to automotive industry representatives.

In the wake of reports suggesting that the German carmaker was preparing to carry out major factory investments, industry representatives indicated that Turkey was the strongest candidate. After Turkey’s decade-long efforts to convince the German automotive giant to invest in the country, Volkswagen has reportedly decided to open a factory that will employ 5,000 people and undertake production of two of its car brands, Skoda and Seat.

The reports pointed out that Turkey’s knowledge in automobile production influenced the investment decision.

“Turkey was by far the most equipped country among the candidate countries.” — Ali Bilaloğlu, Chairman of Doğuş Otomotiv, Volkswagen’s Turkey distributor

Alper Kanca, Chairman of the Vehicles Procurement Industrialists Association (TAYSAD), said: “I think that this major investment decision will go in Turkey’s favor,” while Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) Chairman Şekib Avdagiç added: “Turkey is for sure the most important alternative.”

The Turkish automotive industry is experiencing the excitement of two big investment plans.