Fiat is one of the leading companies in the automotive industry and is part of the global Stellantis group, which was formed as a result of the merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group (Peugeot Citroën). In Turkey, Fiat is considered one of the prominent names in the car market due to its long history and strategic partnerships in the country.

Fiat has a joint venture with the Turkish company Tofaş in the city of Bursa. This plant is one of the largest car manufacturing facilities in Turkey, where many important models are produced and sold not only in the local market but also exported to many global markets.

In Turkey, models like the Fiat Egea, also known as Fiat Tipo in some markets, are produced. The model has achieved great success thanks to its practical design and competitive prices.

Fiat has made significant investments in technology and the development of production lines in Turkey, which positions it at the forefront of industrial innovation in the country. Fiat factories in Turkey provide many jobs, employing thousands of workers either directly or indirectly through the supply chain.

Fiat is one of the leaders in car exports in Turkey. The company faces challenges related to global market changes, the shift towards electric cars, and autonomous technologies. However, through its strong commitment to innovation and investment in local infrastructure, Fiat appears ready to face these challenges and remain at the forefront of the Turkish car market.

The estimated production capacity of the Tofaş plant is about 450,000 cars annually. These figures include a variety of models, from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles.

tofaş turkey

Fiat's History in Turkey

Fiat has had a historical partnership with Turkey through Tofaş, which was established in 1968. This partnership was between the Italian Fiat and Turkey's Koç Holding, which is one of the largest business groups in Turkey. Tofaş began producing cars in Turkey in the early 1970s, making it an essential part of Turkey's campaign to develop its industrial and automotive sector.

Tofaş was founded as a joint venture between Fiat and Koç Holding in 1968. This was a strategic move to bring car manufacturing technology to Turkey and meet the growing local demand for cars. Actual production began at the Bursa plant in the early 1970s, with the Fiat 124 being one of the first cars produced there under the name "Murat 124."

Tofaş expanded and introduced modern production techniques, becoming a significant center for assembling and producing Fiat cars sold in local and international markets.

Key Stakeholders in Tofaş, the Fiat Plant in Turkey

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA): Held a significant portion of the shares, and is now part of Stellantis after the merger with Peugeot Citroën.
Koç Holding: Represents the Turkish side of the partnership and owns large shares in Tofaş. Koç Holding is one of the largest and most significant industrial conglomerates in Turkey, with operations in multiple industries and sectors.

Tofaş is considered a crucial part of Fiat's global strategy, benefiting from Turkey's geographical location as a gateway to reach regional and international markets.

Start of Manufacturing and Key Models Produced

Tofaş began manufacturing cars in Turkey in the early 1970s, initially focusing on producing Fiat models that suited the local market. Over time, production processes evolved to include a diverse range of models that meet the needs of local, regional, and international markets.

Some of the key models produced by Tofaş include:

Fiat 124 (Murat 124): One of the first models produced by Tofaş at the Bursa plant. This model was very popular in Turkey and is known as "Murat."
Fiat 131 (Murat 131): Tofaş started producing this model in the late 1970s. It had a modern design for its time and became a favorite among many Turkish families.
Fiat Tipo (Tempra and Tipo): In the 1990s, Tofaş began producing more modern models like the Fiat Tipo and Fiat Tempra, available in several versions such as sedan and hatchback.
Fiat Palio and Siena: During the first decade of the 2000s, Fiat introduced the Palio and Siena models to the production lines in Turkey as part of its strategy to reach emerging markets.
Fiat Egea/Tipo: One of Tofaş's most recent successes, launched in the mid-2010s. Known as Fiat Tipo in some international markets.

Fiat's Light Commercial Vehicles Manufactured in Turkey

Tofaş's production operations expanded to include not only passenger cars but also light commercial vehicles, which are also very popular in many markets.

Fiat Doblo: One of the most famous and produced light commercial vehicles in Turkey, known for its practical design and ability to carry various loads, suitable for small businesses and companies. It comes in several versions to suit different needs, from passenger transport to cargo.
Fiat Fiorino: This model is a compact car in the light commercial vehicle category, designed to be efficient in cities due to its small size and maneuverability.
Fiat Ducato: While Fiat Ducato is produced in other locations within the Stellantis group, it represents part of Fiat's offering in light commercial vehicles in Turkey, known for its larger van options widely used in transport, construction, and logistics services.