While Turkey has taken a critical step in terms of foreign investments with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD ⁇ 's $1 billion investment plan, recent news from Çin ⁇ has raised questions especially about technology transfer.
According to Bloomberg, the Chinese government has called on automakers to ensure that advanced electric vehicle technologies remain in the country.
Speaking to Bloomberg, sources said that important parts of a vehicle were to be produced in China and sent to the countries where production was made for the final assembly phase.
The call comes at a time when companies such as BYD Co. and Chery Automobile Co. are intensifying their plans to build factories in many countries, from Spain to Thailand and Hungary.
Turkey is already negotiating with BYD and Chery for factory investments in the country.
BYD decided to invest in Turkey
China's first electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, signed an investment agreement for a billion dollar investment in Turkey in July.
In statements from BYD officials, it was stated that the facility, which will emerge as a result of the investment, will have an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles. At the same time, it was envisaged that the company would establish an R&D center in Turkey.
BYD Vice President and CEO of BYD America Stella Li stated that they plan to produce 8-12 models at the factory.
Li, who said that they liked the land in Manisa ⁇ very much, ⁇ Here we will be like a local Turkish company ⁇ had made statements.
