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China's Dongfeng Motor is in discussions with an investor exploring potential vehicle production in Türkiye, with the parties aiming to commence production during 2026, according to statements from the automaker's local distributor Marcar.
Marcar Chief Executive Yavuz Cirak is participating in the discussions and stated on social media that the parties aim to commence production during 2026, Automotive World reported.
Final investment decisions remain pending and the investor's identity remains under wraps through confidentiality agreements. The investor involved in Dongfeng discussions has allegedly already secured production facilities, with Marcar positioned to oversee local sales operations and provide customer support services should the partnership proceed to completion.
Dongfeng's luxury car division, Voyah, announced through Turkish social media that preparations for the local assembly of the extended-range hybrid model, Free REV 318, are underway. Technical feasibility studies are taking place in Türkiye involving Chinese delegation teams.
The Free REV 318 combines a 150-horsepower 1.5-liter petrol engine which serves as a battery charger, while a separate electric motor delivers 268 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque to the wheels.
A 43kWh battery provides up to 318 km of range under Chinese testing standards, with total range reaching approximately 1,428 km when combining the capacities of both the battery and internal combustion engine.
The model is priced from $31,550 in China, although potential Turkish pricing remains undetermined — in all likelihood, it will be appreciably higher.
For Chinese OEMs, Türkiye represents an attractive manufacturing destination due to its customs-free trade agreements with the EU, essentially allowing for hefty duties like those imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles to be circumvented entirely.
Imports of Chinese-made cars face additional taxes in the Turkish car market, incentivizing automakers to make local production arrangements.
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Several Chinese automakers have invested in Turkish production previously. Most notable among these is BYD, which is expected to begin operations at its Manisa facility before 2026 ends.
The BYD plant, still under construction, has an expected production capacity of some 150,000 units per year.
Chery has similarly pursued Turkish production partnerships.
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