Hyundai has officially started production of the all-electric Hyundai IONIQ 3 at its İzmit manufacturing plant in Türkiye, marking an important step in the automaker’s European electrification strategy.
The production launch follows a €250 million investment to prepare the facility for electric vehicle manufacturing. More than half of the İzmit plant has been modernized over the past two years as Hyundai expands its ability to build next-generation electrified vehicles in Türkiye.
The new Hyundai IONIQ 3 Aero Hatch represents a major new chapter for the facility, which has been producing vehicles for nearly three decades.
Hyundai Motor Türkiye began operations at its İzmit facility in 1997. Since then, the company has invested approximately €1.185 billion in its Turkish manufacturing operations.
The latest €250 million investment has significantly upgraded the plant to support Hyundai’s flexible powertrain strategy. More than 50% of the facility has been modernized, allowing it to accommodate production of Hyundai’s latest generation of electrified vehicles.
The start of IONIQ 3 production also strengthens Türkiye’s position within Hyundai’s European manufacturing network, with vehicles produced at İzmit supporting customers across the region.
For Hyundai, local EV production provides an opportunity to expand its electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities while maintaining a flexible approach to different powertrain technologies.
IONIQ 3 Opens a New Chapter for Hyundai in Türkiye
The IONIQ 3 is the latest model to join Hyundai’s growing electric vehicle lineup and gives the İzmit facility a dedicated role in the company’s electrification plans.
Its production as an Aero Hatch also highlights Hyundai’s focus on bringing more practical and efficient electric vehicles to European markets.
The transformation of the İzmit plant is not limited to the IONIQ 3. Hyundai is also preparing the facility for production of the next-generation BAYON and i20, helping maintain a broader manufacturing ecosystem in Türkiye.
This approach allows the company to support both electrified and conventional vehicle production while the European market continues its transition toward electric mobility.
Battery Production Plans Add to İzmit Investment
Hyundai is also expanding the infrastructure surrounding its İzmit operation through cooperation with Hyundai Mobis, a Hyundai Motor Group affiliate.
A new Battery System Assembly plant located at the İzmit site is being prepared to support battery assembly for hybrid vehicles in the near future.
The additional battery-related operation could further strengthen the local supply chain and increase the role of Hyundai’s Turkish manufacturing base as electrification expands.
With the IONIQ 3 now entering production, Hyundai is positioning its İzmit facility for a more electrified future while continuing to invest in the wider automotive manufacturing ecosystem in Türkiye.
The €250 million transformation represents one of the company’s most significant recent investments in the plant and sets the stage for Hyundai’s next phase of electric and electrified vehicle production in Europe.
