Hyundai aims for a top three spot in Turkey's electric car sales

Hyundai Motor Türkiye is aiming for a top three position in the electric vehicle market, and possibly even second place. Speaking to Anadolu Agency at the Paris Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Türkiye CEO Alex Kim outlined the brand's plans for Turkey. According to Kim, Turkey plays a key role in Hyundai's electrification strategy in Europe.

Electric vehicle sales target

Kim said electric vehicles currently account for about 10 percent of the brand's total sales, and the company plans to increase that share next year. Hyundai wants to close 2026 with 9,000 electric vehicles sold in Turkey. The electric lineup includes the Inster, the Kona Elektrik and the IONIQ model family.

Kim also noted that the number of charging points across Turkey has passed 45,000. He said electric vehicles' share of total sales has risen from about 1 percent five years ago to 19 percent today. He added that electric cars can offer an advantage over petrol cars in running costs.

IONIQ 3, Turkey's first locally built EV

Hyundai began producing an electric car at its Izmit plant for the first time in 2026. Kim said more than 3 million vehicles have been built in Turkey over the 30 years of production there. Murat Berkel, Sales, Marketing and After-Sales General Manager, said the IONIQ 3 was launched in the B segment with a range of 482 kilometers. The model is on sale in four trim options, and more than 500 customers chose it in about two weeks. The company aims to sell more than 3,500 IONIQ 3 units by year end.

New Bayon and new Tucson

Production of the Bayon started in 2021, and close to 250,000 units have been built so far. The model is exported to more than 40 countries, mainly in Europe. Production of the new Bayon, unveiled in Paris, will start in Izmit in December, and sales in Turkey are planned for early February. The new model will get a 1.0-liter turbo engine, with a 1.6-liter hybrid to follow later.

The new Tucson, which had its European premiere, is planned to go on sale in Turkey in the second quarter of next year. Since 2004, the model has sold more than 11 million units worldwide. The new generation will be offered with 1.6-liter turbo engines in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.