Shaping the industry’s transformation with its electrification vision, Ford Otosan has achieved another milestone with its advanced engineering expertise and cutting-edge production technologies. As one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers, Ford Otosan has successfully electrified its entire production portfolio. The company is now set to introduce the fully electric Ford E-Transit Courier, Ford E-Tourneo Courier, and Ford Puma Gen-E models to customers.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Ford Otosan’s Craiova plant in Romania, Koç Holding Vice Chairman and Ford Otosan Chairman Ali Y. Koç emphasized Koç Group’s long-standing commitment to the automotive industry, stating, “Ford Otosan represents one of the most robust and successful partnerships in the global automotive industry, built on the deep-rooted collaboration between Koç Holding and Ford Motor Company. This partnership is more than just a commercial alliance; it symbolizes a journey that has shaped the birth and growth of Turkey’s automotive industry. Today, as one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers and Ford‘s electric commercial vehicle production hub, Ford Otosan continues to carry this vision into the future.”
As Turkey’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer and export champion, Ford Otosan remains at the forefront of the country’s electrification transition. Serving as Ford’s commercial vehicle hub in Europe, Ford Otosan has begun production of the new Ford E-Transit Courier, E-Tourneo Courier, and Ford Puma Gen-E at its Craiova facility in Romania. With these fully electric models, Ford Otosan strengthens its electrification strategy and marks another key milestone in the transition to zero-emission mobility.
On March 14, a grand ceremony was held in Craiova, hosted by Ali Y. Koç, Koç Holding CEO Levent Çakıroğlu, Koç Holding Automotive Group President Haydar Yenigün, Ford Motor Company Commercial Vehicles Director John Davis, Ford Otosan General Manager Güven Özyurt, and Ford Otosan Deputy General Manager Josephine Payne. The event was attended by Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, along with numerous government officials, industry representatives, and prominent business figures.
Ford Motor Company Commercial Vehicles Director John Davis
Highlighting the significance of Ford Otosan‘s role in international trade, Ali Y. Koç noted, “Since acquiring the Craiova plant in 2022, Ford Otosan has played a key role in strengthening the trade ties between Turkey and Romania. Today, we stand as Romania’s second-largest exporter, further solidifying our contributions. This facility is not just a production center but an integral part of a broader ecosystem that enhances Turkey’s strategic position in the global supply chain. Our collaboration with over 60 suppliers in Turkey to support vehicle production in Romania underscores our ability to generate value on an international scale. The fully electric E-Transit Courier, E-Tourneo Courier, and the best-selling passenger car in Europe, the Ford Puma Gen-E, will reinforce our market position in Europe.”
Ford Otosan General Manager Güven Özyurt highlighted the company’s legacy in the automotive industry, stating, “For more than 60 years, Ford Otosan has been leading the way with its superior production capabilities and engineering expertise. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and progress drives us to expand our operations and create value for our country. Ford Otosan is Turkey’s export champion, reaching record levels by exporting over 330,000 vehicles in 2024. Through our electrification strategy, we not only enhance Turkey’s technological competencies but also strengthen our presence in the European market.”
Özyurt further elaborated on the strong synergy between Ford Otosan’s Kocaeli and Craiova plants, stating, “Since 2022, we have established a robust knowledge-sharing framework between our Kocaeli and Craiova plants. Today, our teams in Turkey and Romania work side by side with the same passion, producing world-class vehicles that shape the future of the automotive industry.” He also emphasized that the Craiova facility is among Europe’s most efficient production plants, uniquely capable of manufacturing passenger cars, commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines, and fully electric models on a single production line. “Ford’s strategy revolves around electrifying our iconic models. In line with this vision, we are committed to producing electric versions of all our vehicles, reinforcing Turkey’s technological expertise and playing a pivotal role in Ford Europe’s electrification roadmap.”
Ford Otosan continues its legacy as the exclusive global producer of the Courier series, a role it has upheld since launching production at its Yeniköy plant in 2014. As part of its long-term investment strategy, the company has implemented a major transformation in Courier production.
With the increased production of the Ford Transit Custom family, Ford Otosan expanded the capacity of its Gölcük plant and relocated Courier production to the revamped Yeniköy facility. Additionally, as part of the strategic alliance between Ford and Volkswagen, the production of 1-ton commercial vehicles commenced, leading to the transfer of Courier production to the Craiova facility in 2022. Craiova has also become the primary production site for Ford’s best-selling passenger car in Europe, the Puma.
These developments have not only strengthened Ford Otosan’s production capabilities and global competitiveness but also solidified the company’s strategic growth vision by making Craiova the exclusive production hub for the fully electric Ford E-Transit Courier, Ford E-Tourneo Courier, and Ford Puma Gen-E in Europe.
Ford Otosan has made significant investments in electrification and next-generation vehicle technologies in recent years. Of the €2 billion investment plan announced in 2021, the company has already completed €1.9 billion. As part of this investment, the Kocaeli plants have been transformed into Turkey’s first integrated production hub for internal combustion, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. With these advancements, Ford Otosan continues to lead the electrification transformation as Europe’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.
