Journalists inspect a BYD Atto 3 displayed during its launch event in Jakarta, in January. [AP]
Turkey has imposed strict conditions on the import of plug-in hybrid vehicles from certain countries, including China. This decision, published in the Official Gazette, follows a previous move to limit imports of electric vehicles. Analysts suggest that Ankara’s goal is to increase pressure on Chinese automakers with whom they are in talks about investing in Turkey.
The new import conditions require importers to have 20 authorized service shops in seven different regions of Turkey to bring in chargeable hybrid vehicles not produced in the EU or countries with a free trade agreement. Currently, no importers meet these requirements, which will block all future plug-in hybrid imports.
This decision is seen as a way for Turkey to prompt Chinese firms to expedite negotiations on domestic production, especially in light of recent commitments such as BYD’s agreement to build a $1 billion plant in Turkey. The Turkish automotive market, with sales figures and import data, indicates a growing presence of Chinese brands in the country’s vehicle industry.