Ford Otosan

Ford Otosan is an automotive manufacturing company based in Turkey, equally owned by Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding. It was established in its current form in 1977, with original relations dating back to 1928. It currently operates four facilities throughout the country, and is headquartered in Gölcük, with a second location in İnönü.

History

The collaboration began in 1928, when Vehbi Koç was assigned as Ford dealer in Ankara. The following year, the Turkish national assembly granted to Ford the right to install a local assembly operation in a free zone located in Istanbul's port area. Limited amounts of vehicles were assembled there until 1934, when these activities were suspended.

In 1959, the foundation of the Otosan factory was held in Istanbul, and in 1960 the Ford Consul was the first model to be produced at the plant, followed by the Thames and the Thames Trader van. In 1965, the D1210 truck was added to production, and in 1966, the Anadol, the first mass-production passenger vehicle developed in Turkey. In 1967, the Ford Transit also began production and in 1973, the Anadol STC-16, the first sports car developed in Turkey.