Ford Otosan has celebrated the transformation of its state-of-the-art Yeniköy Assembly Plant, where production of a new generation of Ford Transit Custom vans is underway, boosting productivity for Ford Pro commercial vehicle businesses across Europe.
Advanced solar energy technology, end-to-end management driven by artificial intelligence and noise-reducing assembly lines are among the innovations delivered as part of the €2 billion investment in the Ford Otosan production facilities in Kocaeli including Yeniköy – the largest ever investment in the private sector in Türkiye.
Ford Otosan is a publicly traded joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Koç Holding A.Ş., established more than 60 years ago. The company’s first-of-its-kind multistorey facility produces the all-new Transit Custom 1,2 – Europe’s best-selling one-tonne van 3 – alongside the all-new Tourneo Custom 4,2 multi-activity vehicle offering spacious and flexible accommodation for up to nine occupants.
Next year volume production of the electric E-Transit Custom 5,6 and E-Tourneo Custom will begin, 7,6 supported by sustainability credentials that will contribute to Ford Otosan achieving carbon neutrality across all of its facilities in Türkiye by 2030.
“The state-of-the-art Yeniköy Assembly Plant is already helping Ford Pro enhance quality for customers and as one of the world’s most efficient automotive production facilities is setting new standards for producing multi-energy commercial vehicles at scale,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Ford Pro has been Europe’s top-selling commercial vehicle brand for the past eight years. As a leader we want to enhance the ownership experience for our customers with transformative technologies, and by expanding our vehicle offering and streamlining production and engineering.”
The Yeniköy Assembly Plant has been developed to set a new benchmark for automotive manufacturing in Türkiye and leads the electric transformation of the industry in the region.
The revolutionised facility is now one of the most efficient plants in the entire automotive industry. Part of the plant’s annual electricity consumption is provided by built-in innovative applications including the Turkish automotive industry-first use of photovoltaic glass walls. Solar panels on the roof also contribute to reduced reliance on externally sourced electricity, all of which is certified renewable. In addition, Solar Wall technology captures sunlight to heat water for the facility, reducing natural gas usage.
Cutting-edge manufacturing solutions are used across the production process. Real-time data and artificial intelligence combine to create “digital twin” virtual manufacturing simulations, helping to optimise production efficiency and allow nimble responses to demand fluctuations, supply of components or variations in production processes.
The multistorey design of welding and assembly workshops enhances production line efficiency by allowing teams to integrate more closely. Wireless, rechargeable electric tools have also replaced pneumatic equipment in several parts of the production line, for a quieter, more comfortable working environment.
In 2025, the Yeniköy Assembly Plant will expand its capacity to 405,000 units for the production of the new generation one-tonne vehicles.
“As the smart factory of the future, the Yeniköy plant manufactures flexibly, efficiently, and more sustainably; implementing advanced technologies for fully connected and versatile production,” said Güven Özyurt, general manager, Ford Otosan. “The Yeniköy plant represents the future of our business, and it will help us meet the growing demands of our customers who seek cutting-edge design, smart, and zero-emission vehicles now and in the years to come.”
Available to order now, the all-new Transit Custom is reinvented with customer-inspired innovations including a segment-first tilting steering wheel and time-saving Delivery Assist system, while the all-new Tourneo Custom delivers new levels of capability, luxury and design in a versatile multi-activity vehicle with up to nine seats.
Both vehicles offer the broadest-ever choice of variants including new plug-in hybrid models and intelligent all-wheel drive, as well as full integration with the Ford Pro platform of software and services via standard 5G connectivity. 8
The electric E-Transit Custom and E-Tourneo Custom will begin arriving with customers from summer 2024.
