In fact, it is the very first vehicle assembled entirely in Turkey. And the project is strongly supported (and funded) by the government; the leader of the ruling party (AK) and Turkish president, Tayyip Erdogan, made it a personal affair in order to demonstrate the economic prosperity of the country, which is involved in a political conflict with Syria.
With an investment of 22 billion liras (almost 5 billion Canadian dollars) over a period of 13 years, Turkey plans to produce around 175,000 electric vehicles intended for the national, but also European market.
The Togg brand, whose emblem is affixed to the front and rear of the prototype presented by Erdogan, represents the Turkey’s Automobile Initiative Group consortium made up of several Turkish companies. Born in 2018, this grouping is composed of the Anadolu Group, BMC, Kok Group, the wireless supplier Turkcell and Zorlu Holding. It is headed by the former executive of Bosch Gurcan Karakas and the former CEO of the Korean branch of General Motors Sergio Rocha.
At the moment, we hardly know of any technical specifications related to the unveiled prototype. However, Togg representatives say they will be able to start production of a compact SUV by 2021. Turkish authorities say that a national network of charging stations will be put into service as soon as 2022.
Recall that Ford, FCA, Renault, Toyota and Hyundai have all operated or currently operate factories in Turkey.
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