3 of 4 domestic car prototypes completed

Science, Industry and Technology Minister Fikri Işık said that three domestic car prototypes out of four have been completed by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and that testing began yesterday. Işık had previously suggested that the prototypes of the electric and hybrid cars would debut in August, but did not give a specific date.

Speaking to journalists during the 12th meeting of the Turkish Design Advisory Council at the ministry, Işık said he personally tested domestic car prototypes at the Marmara Research Center at TÜBİTAK's Gebze campus, and automotive technologies that have thus far been developed by TÜBİTAK itself would be applied to these cars.

Such prototypes will be developed taking into account all aspects of a car's design, performance, comfort, quality and safety, the minister said, adding that they would strive to offer cars at the most affordable prices to domestic and international consumers before 2020. According to Işık, endeavors to put Turkish-origin cars equipped with the latest technology on the road before 2020 are continuing in a rapid and resolute way in accordance with the program. Işık also stressed that some changes needed to be made to the fourth prototype, but it will be launched within the next few months.

Ever since Işık took office, he specifically focused on the development of domestic automobiles. Previously, Işık had highlighted his trust in Turkish industry and said, "Domestic automobiles will have three main features: Good quality, high safety standards and comfort." The companies that will commercially market these cars will be determined in 2016. They will be invited to mass-produce these cars after every step is completed, and big automobile manufacturers or new companies will be the producers of these cars.