Mercedes-Benz Launches Electric Model Exclusive to Turkey
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the arrival of the electric VLE model in Turkey, tailored to local market conditions, according to a statement from the company’s Turkey operations on April 5, 2024.
The VLE, a commercial electric vehicle, is being developed in collaboration with Turkish automotive components supplier Karsan, as disclosed in a joint press release. The model will feature a modified battery configuration to suit Turkey’s infrastructure, including a 75 kWh lithium-ion unit, according to a technical document reviewed by the Ankara Technical University’s automotive research center.
Production is scheduled to begin at Mercedes-Benz’s Istanbul plant in 2025, with an initial target of 1,500 units annually, as outlined in a 2024 investment plan submitted to the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology. The vehicle will be marketed under the “Mercedes-Benz VLE Turkey Edition” branding, with a 10% price discount for fleet buyers, according to a pricing analysis by the Turkish Automotive Importers’ Association.
The announcement follows a 2023 memorandum of understanding between Mercedes-Benz and the Turkish government to boost electric vehicle adoption. A spokesperson for the ministry stated, “This initiative aligns with our goal to increase electric vehicle usage to 15% of new registrations by 2030,” citing data from the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Karsan, which has supplied electric bus components to Mercedes-Benz since 2021, will handle the vehicle’s chassis and powertrain integration. The company’s CEO, Murat Başbakkal, said, “This partnership strengthens our position as a regional hub for electric mobility solutions,” in a statement published by the Turkish Business News on March 28, 2024.
The VLE’s design includes a reinforced frame for heavy-duty use, with a 400 km range on a single charge, according to the technical specifications released by Mercedes-Benz. It will compete with local electric delivery vans, including those produced by Tofaş and BMC, as noted in a market analysis by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce.
Environmental groups have called for further details on the vehicle’s battery recycling plans, as Turkey lacks a national electric vehicle end-of-life policy. A representative from Greenpeace Turkey said, “Transparency in sustainability practices is critical for public trust,” in a statement dated April 2, 2024.
The first units are expected to reach dealerships in late 2025, pending final regulatory approvals from the Turkish Motor Vehicles Inspection Institution. A spokesperson for the institution confirmed that safety tests are underway, with results due by July 2024.