Ford launches production at new $511-million facility in Turkey

Ford Otosan, the Turkish-based joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding, officially launched vehicle production today at a modern, all-new vehicle production facility in Yeniköy, Turkey.

On May 22, the new facility kicked off production of the Ford Transit Courier small commercial vehicle and Ford Tourneo Courier entry-level wagon.

The 753,000-square-foot plant – which was built in 16 months with an investment of US$511 million – is the joint venture’s third facility in Turkey since establishing Otosan in 1959.

“Ford Otosan is one of the longest-lasting and most successful joint ventures in the global auto industry and today marks another great milestone in this partnership,” Ford executive chairman Bill Ford said in a statement. “This new plant is a testament to the drive and commitment of the men and women of Ford Otosan, and our success will continue to grow as we move forward together.”

The plant has a production capacity of 110,000 vehicles annually.