Renault-Nissan Alliance CEO Carlos Ghosn told reporters last week that Nissan, which has no production facilities in Turkey, will sooner or later begin production in Turkey.

Responding to Turkish reporters at the launch ceremony for the 2014 Nissan Qashqai in London, Ghosn said, “The production will take place somewhere near Bursa.” Noting that it would be productive to have the facility near Bursa -- the main location for Turkey's automotive production -- Ghosn said the Renault-Nissan Alliance certainly plans to start Nissan production in the medium to long term.

Ghosn said the Oyak-Renault factory in Bursa operates at full capacity and that it is one of the company's most productive factories. “Turkey is an ideal market for automotive production and we are proud of Renault brand operations. As Nissan, we will also begin producing a model [in Turkey] after completing studies [on the] sub-sector and supply chain.”

Nissan Vice President Andy Palmer also commented that Nissan aims to increase its market share in Turkey and that the initiation of production in Turkey could play an important role in that. However, he added that the short-term plans of the company are clear and that the company does not see starting production in Turkey in less than two years. “Turkey is a great market for sedan models, as in Eastern European countries," he said. "We are also following the government incentives for production provided by Turkey.”

Cihan