About Ankara Motors
Crafting Excellence Since 1985
Our Story
Ankara Motors was founded in 1985 by a visionary group of Turkish engineers and automotive enthusiasts who dreamed of establishing a world-class automotive manufacturing company in Turkey. What started as a small operation in a modest facility in Ankara has grown into one of Turkey's most respected and innovative automotive brands.
The company's founders, led by visionary industrialist Mustafa Kaya, recognized the potential for Turkish manufacturing to compete on the global stage. They invested heavily in research and development, establishing partnerships with international technology providers while maintaining a strong Turkish identity and commitment to local employment and economic development.
In our early years, we focused on producing reliable, affordable vehicles for the Turkish market. Our first model, the Ankara Classic, became an instant success, known for its durability and low maintenance costs. This success provided the foundation for our expansion into new market segments and the development of more sophisticated vehicle lines.
Our Growth Journey
Throughout the 1990s, Ankara Motors expanded rapidly, opening new manufacturing facilities in Izmir and Bursa. We introduced our first SUV in 1995, which quickly became popular among Turkish families seeking reliable and spacious vehicles. This period also marked our entry into export markets, with our vehicles beginning to appear in neighboring countries.
The 2000s brought significant technological advancement to our operations. We invested over 500 million Turkish Lira in modernizing our production facilities, introducing state-of-the-art robotics and automation systems. Our commitment to quality led to numerous international certifications, including ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
In 2010, we launched our first hybrid vehicle, marking Ankara Motors' commitment to environmental sustainability. This initiative was part of our broader strategy to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Today, we continue to invest in electric and hybrid technologies, with plans to introduce fully electric models by 2026.
Our Mission and Values
At Ankara Motors, our mission is to create exceptional vehicles that enhance the lives of our customers while contributing positively to society and the environment. We believe that every car we build should represent the perfect combination of innovation, quality, and value.
Our core values guide everything we do:
- Excellence: We strive for perfection in every aspect of our operations, from design and engineering to manufacturing and customer service. We never compromise on quality and continuously seek ways to improve.
- Innovation: We embrace new technologies and creative solutions, always looking ahead to anticipate the needs of tomorrow's drivers. Our research and development department is one of the most advanced in Turkey.
- Integrity: We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and ethical principles. We build trust through our actions and maintain the highest standards of corporate responsibility.
- Customer Focus: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We listen to their needs, respond to their feedback, and continuously work to exceed their expectations.
- Sustainability: We recognize our responsibility to protect the environment and contribute to sustainable development. We're committed to reducing our environmental impact through cleaner production methods and eco-friendly vehicle technologies.
- Turkish Heritage: We're proud of our Turkish roots and committed to supporting the Turkish economy. We source materials locally when possible and invest in the communities where we operate.
Our Manufacturing Excellence
Ankara Motors operates three major manufacturing facilities across Turkey, with a combined production capacity of over 200,000 vehicles annually. Our flagship facility in Ankara spans 1.2 million square meters and employs more than 5,000 skilled workers. This facility is equipped with the latest in automotive manufacturing technology, including automated assembly lines, precision robotics, and advanced quality control systems.
Our Izmir facility specializes in engine production and advanced powertrain systems. Here, our engineers work on developing and manufacturing the heart of every Ankara Motors vehicle. The facility includes state-of-the-art testing laboratories where engines undergo rigorous performance and durability testing.
The Bursa facility focuses on body manufacturing and painting operations. This facility features one of the most advanced paint shops in the region, using environmentally friendly water-based paints and energy-efficient curing processes. The precision and care taken in the painting process ensure that every Ankara Motors vehicle has a flawless finish that lasts for years.
Research and Development
Innovation is the lifeblood of Ankara Motors. Our Research and Development Center, located in Ankara, employs over 800 engineers, designers, and technicians who work tirelessly to develop the next generation of vehicles. The center includes:
- Advanced vehicle testing laboratories with climate-controlled chambers and sophisticated testing equipment
- Crash test facilities that ensure our vehicles meet and exceed international safety standards
- Wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing and optimization
- Battery and electric powertrain development laboratories
- Advanced materials research facility exploring lightweight composites and sustainable materials
- Connected vehicle technology lab developing autonomous driving systems and smart vehicle features
Our R&D investment has led to numerous patents and technological innovations. We've developed proprietary engine technologies that improve fuel efficiency by up to 15% compared to previous generations, and our safety systems have earned top ratings from international crash test organizations.
Our Team
Ankara Motors employs over 12,000 people across Turkey, including engineers, designers, technicians, production workers, sales professionals, and support staff. Our team represents the best of Turkish talent, and we're committed to providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
We believe that our people are our greatest asset. That's why we invest heavily in employee development programs, offering technical training, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Many of our current senior executives started their careers on the production floor, demonstrating our commitment to internal promotion and talent development.
Our diversity and inclusion initiatives ensure that Ankara Motors is a welcoming workplace for people of all backgrounds. We're proud to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of Turkey, and we believe that this diversity makes us stronger and more innovative.
Global Presence and Future Vision
While Ankara Motors is proudly Turkish, we have a global vision. Our vehicles are exported to over 30 countries across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. We've established partnerships with dealerships and service centers worldwide, ensuring that Ankara Motors customers receive excellent support wherever they are.
Looking to the future, we're committed to leading the transition to electric mobility. Our roadmap includes the introduction of three fully electric models by 2026, along with an extensive network of charging stations across Turkey. We're also investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology research, positioning Ankara Motors at the forefront of sustainable transportation solutions.
Our commitment to innovation extends beyond vehicles themselves. We're developing smart mobility solutions, including car-sharing platforms and integrated transportation services. We believe that the future of transportation is not just about building better cars, but about creating comprehensive mobility ecosystems that serve people's needs in new and better ways.
Awards and Recognition
Ankara Motors has received numerous awards and recognition for our achievements in quality, innovation, and corporate responsibility. These include:
- Turkish Automotive Industry Excellence Award (2018, 2020, 2022)
- European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) 5-Star Safety Rating for multiple models
- Green Car of the Year Award from Turkish Environmental Association (2019, 2021)
- Best Employer in Turkish Manufacturing (2020, 2023)
- Innovation Award from Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (2021)
These recognitions reflect our commitment to excellence and our position as a leader in the Turkish automotive industry. However, we're not resting on our laurels. We continue to push forward, setting new standards and reaching for even greater heights.
Community Engagement
Ankara Motors believes in giving back to the communities that support us. Through our corporate social responsibility programs, we've invested millions of Turkish Lira in education, environmental conservation, and community development initiatives. We sponsor technical education programs in schools across Turkey, providing opportunities for young people to learn valuable skills in automotive technology and engineering.
Our environmental initiatives include tree planting programs, water conservation projects, and support for renewable energy development. We've also established a foundation that provides scholarships to engineering students and supports research in sustainable transportation technologies.
As we look ahead, Ankara Motors remains committed to our founding principles while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the future. We're excited about what lies ahead and grateful for the trust and support of our customers, employees, and partners who have made our success possible.