Honda picks Türkiye as regional base, plans to add new model

Dunya - Carmaker Honda is set for a rebound in its global operations after suffering a series of setbacks caused by the massive earthquake in its homeland Japan. As part of its global restructuring plan, the company has designated its Turkish unit as the production base of the new Civic Sedan, destined for markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe.

Honda’s Gebze plant in Türkiye’s western province of Kocaeli will be the sole supplier of the new Civic Sedan for the surrounding region, Honda Türkiye’s Hideto Yamasaki told reporters at the launch event of the company’s new sports hybrid vehicle, the CR-Z, in Istanbul. “The plant will receive USD 10-15 million of initial investment for line upgrades,” said Honda Türkiye’s General Manager. The Japanese company will increase its production volume to 50,000 and then to 70,000 cars in two stages. The second stage involves the production of a second model, he added. “Honda is well aware of Türkiye’s increasing importance and is planning accordingly. We are considering the addition of a new model to our production line in Gebze,” said Yamasaki, adding that the vehicle model will be determined later on depending on the demand in the export markets.

Honda aims to sell 15,000 cars in the Turkish market this year and to raise the amount to 20,000 in 2012.