Ford Otosan

Ford Otosan, also known as Ford Otomotiv Sanayi A.S., is a publicly-traded company based in Turkey. Established in 1959, it is the largest commercial vehicle production centre for Ford Europe. The company's shareholding structure consists of Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding A.S., each holding 41% shares.

With a strong focus on digitalization and innovation, Ford Otosan has embraced the latest technologies to enhance customer experiences and gain a competitive edge in the global market. It has achieved remarkable success in the automotive industry, becoming one of the top three exporting companies in Turkey since 2004. In addition, Ford Otosan has been recognized as the goods product export champion in Turkey for eight consecutive years.

The company operates four main centres, including Gölcük and Yeniköy Plants in Kocaeli, Eskisehir Plant in Eskisehir, Sancaktepe R&D Center, and Spare Parts Warehouse in Istanbul, as well as the Craiova Plant in Romania. Employing over 20,000 people, Ford Otosan holds the distinction of being the most valuable automotive company listed on Borsa Istanbul.

Notably, Ford Otosan boasts the largest R&D organization in the Turkish industry, with 1688 R&D employees. It serves as the global engineering centre for Ford's heavy commercial vehicles, related diesel engines, and engine systems, contributing significantly to the automotive sector's development.

Beyond its commercial success, Ford Otosan is dedicated to corporate social responsibility, engaging in various projects to support education, healthcare, culture, arts, and sports. The company actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes gender equality initiatives.

As a leading player in Turkey's automotive landscape, Ford Otosan continues to make strides in the global market, driving the country's economic development and enhancing its global competitiveness.

The history of Ford Otosan dates back to 1928 when Vehbi Koç became a Ford dealer in Ankara, Turkey. In 1929, Ford was granted permission to establish a local assembly plant in Istanbul's Tophane free zone, where limited numbers of Ford Model A and Model B vehicles were assembled until 1934 when production was suspended due to the Great Depression.

In 1959, the foundation of the Otosan (Automotive Industry) factory took place in Istanbul, and in 1960, production began with the Ford Consul. Subsequently, the Thames, Thames Trader van, and D1210 truck were added to the assembly line. In 1966, the Anadol, Turkey's first mass-production passenger vehicle, was developed, followed by the production of the Ford Transit in 1967 and the Anadol STC-16, Turkey's first sports car, in 1973.

In 1977, the company signed a license agreement with Ford, leading to the renaming of the company to Ford Otosan. A new factory was established in Inönü, Eskisehir, which started producing Ford Cargo in 1983. Ford increased its share in the company to 30 percent in the same year. In 1985, the Ford Taunus was introduced at the Istanbul plant, and the Inönü engine plant was officially opened in 1986.

The 1990s saw the production of the newer Ford Transit and the replacement of the Ford Taunus with the Ford Escort on the assembly lines. Ford's share in the company further increased to 41 percent in 1997, making it an equal partner with Koç Holding.

In 1998, Ford Otosan began operating a new factory in Gölcük, Kocaeli, focusing on commercial vehicle production. The facility manufactured the Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect, both models marketed worldwide. In 2003, Ford Otosan launched a new generation of the Ford Cargo heavy-duty truck.

The company continued to innovate, collaborating with Ford Brazil in developing the Ford Cargo heavy truck, which was unveiled in January 2013. In 2018, Ford introduced the F-Vision, an electric tractor-trailer concept with Level 4 autonomous driving capability.

In March 2022, Ford Otosan made headlines again when it announced the acquisition of Ford Romania from Ford Motor Company. Throughout its history, Ford Otosan has played a crucial role in Turkey's automotive industry, achieving significant milestones and becoming a key player in the global market.

Ford Otosan's mission is centred on the vision of creating a better world, where individuals have the freedom to move and pursue their dreams. As a prominent player in the automotive industry, the company aims to contribute to society by enabling seamless mobility and empowering people to achieve their aspirations.

Through their range of vehicles, including the iconic Ford Transit and Ford Cargo, Ford Otosan strives to provide reliable, efficient, and innovative transportation solutions for various needs, whether for commercial purposes or personal use.

By focusing on the development of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, Ford Otosan aims to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for the planet.

Furthermore, the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement emphasizes their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their business operations. By supporting various social projects in areas such as education, healthcare, and gender equality, Ford Otosan actively works towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and fostering a more equitable society.

Ford Otosan's vision centres around becoming the world's most trusted company, driven by a commitment to designing smart vehicles for a smart world. As a leading player in the automotive industry, the company aspires to be recognized globally for its excellence, innovation, and customer-centric approach.

The vision highlights Ford Otosan's determination to build trust among its customers, partners, and stakeholders by delivering high-quality products and services. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and safety, the company aims to forge lasting relationships and become a preferred choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Embracing the rapid advancements in technology and digitalization, Ford Otosan envisions designing smart vehicles that cater to the evolving needs of a technologically interconnected world. These vehicles will be equipped with cutting-edge features, enabling seamless connectivity, enhanced safety, and eco-friendly performance.

At the core of Ford Otosan's vision is a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By incorporating sustainable practices in their operations and developing eco-friendly vehicles, the company aims to play a pivotal role in creating a greener and more sustainable future.

By continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and maintaining a customer-centric approach, Ford Otosan seeks to set new standards in the automotive industry. The vision reflects the company's unwavering dedication to remain at the forefront of smart mobility solutions, positively impacting lives and shaping the future of transportation.

Ford Otosan offers a diverse range of products, both current and historic, reflecting its significant presence in the automotive industry.

Current Products:

• Ford Transit (1965–present): A versatile and reliable commercial van, popular for various business and transportation needs worldwide.
• Ford Cargo (1983–present): A heavy-duty truck designed for commercial and industrial purposes, known for its robust performance and durability.
• Ford Transit Custom (2012–present): A modern and flexible mid-sized van, offering practicality and efficiency for various commercial applications.
• Ford Transit Courier (2014–present): A compact and agile commercial van, ideal for urban deliveries and smaller cargo requirements.
• Ford F-MAX heavy truck (2018–present): A powerful heavy-duty truck, recognized for its advanced technology and efficiency in long-haul transportation.

Historic Products:

• Ford Consul (1960–1961): A classic model from the early days of Ford Otosan, offering elegance and style in the passenger car segment.
• Thames Trader (1961–1965): A commercial vehicle series known for its robust construction and versatility for various transport needs.
• Ford D1210 (1965–1983): A reliable and rugged truck used for various commercial purposes, widely recognized for its sturdiness.
• Anadol (1966–1984): A mass-production passenger vehicle developed in Turkey, reflecting the company's early strides in automotive manufacturing.
• Anadol STC-16 (1973–1975): Turkey's first sports car, embodying innovation and style during its brief production period.
• Ford Taunus (1985–1993): A well-known model produced at the Istanbul plant, featuring elegance and comfort in the passenger car segment.
• Otosan P100 (1986-1997): A pickup truck designed for practicality and utility, contributing to various commercial and personal needs.
• Ford Escort (1993–1999): A popular compact car offering comfort, efficiency, and practicality for everyday use.
• Ford Transit Connect (2002–2013): A smaller version of the Ford Transit, tailored for urban environments and smaller cargo capacities.

Through its extensive product portfolio, Ford Otosan has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of its customers in both commercial and passenger vehicle segments. As an industry leader, the company continues to drive innovation and excellence in the automotive sector.