Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday to discuss electric vehicle cooperation, as the South Korean automaker seeks to strengthen its manufacturing foothold in Turkey and expand its presence in the European market.
The meeting, confirmed by the Turkish Presidency, comes as Hyundai steps up EV production and sales in Turkey, a strategic manufacturing hub linking Europe and the Middle East.
According to media reports, Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chang Jae-hoon and Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim, who oversees external relations and trade affairs, also attended.
Hyundai established its first overseas vehicle manufacturing plant in Izmit, Turkey, in 1997. The facility has an annual production capacity of 250,000 vehicles and began mass-producing the Ioniq 3, a model targeting European customers, in August.
Chung visited the plant in late July to inspect its production lines and operations, according to the company.
Beyond manufacturing, Hyundai is seeking a stronger position in Turkey's growing EV market.
Its Turkish subsidiary said in a local media interview last month that it aims to sell 9,000 EVs this year and become one of the country's top three EV sellers. From 2027, Hyundai plans to expand its electrified lineup with next-generation hybrid models and extended-range electric vehicles.
Turkey's strategic location offers Hyundai access to European and Middle Eastern markets. The country's additional 40 percent tariff on Chinese-made EVs, introduced in 2023, could also benefit automakers with local production facilities.
Erdogan separately met executives from other major Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and SK Chemicals, which operate production or sales subsidiaries in Turkey.
jyoungseon8@heraldcorp.com
