Turkish automaker Togg unveiled its first electric vehicles Monday at the Munich Auto Show, signaling the country’s ambition to compete in Europe’s growing EV market.
The company introduced the T10F sedan, which combines the styling of a five-door car with a front end reminiscent of Mercedes models, and the T10X, its first off-road electric vehicle. Both models earned five-star ratings in crash tests by European safety organization Euro NCAP.
Togg is being promoted as Turkey’s national car by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who frequently appears with the vehicles and actively promotes them online. Erdoğan has said the initiative aims to retain vehicle production in Turkey and boost the national economy, using knowledge gained from foreign manufacturers to create a “truly Turkish car.”
The idea is not new. A previous attempt to create a Turkish “people’s car,” known as the Devrim, failed, though it laid the groundwork for the current government-backed project, which includes research and development funding. Togg’s partners include the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB).
According to Togg, the company has sold 70,000 electric vehicles in Turkey. Germany will be the first European market outside Turkey to receive the cars, with plans to expand to other countries. Togg CEO Gürkan Karakaş said Germany “is the most important automotive market and has significant potential. It is therefore natural that Togg begins its European journey here. Both of our models are user-focused and offer a holistic experience in Germany through a new platform.” Previous discussions about bringing Togg to Israel ended following a Turkish-imposed boycott.
The Turkish government views the expansion as a way to challenge European automakers, who face competition from Chinese manufacturers offering efficient electric vehicle technology. For European consumers, who will increasingly need electric vehicles, a Turkish-made EV may carry a “European” appeal and help Togg secure a foothold on the continent.