TWO CHINESE BRANDS BEGIN LOCAL VEHICLE PRODUCTION IN ESKISEHIR

Chinese brands SWM and JAC are launching local production in Eskişehir, Türkiye through the Urzat project. As part of the initiative, six different models will be produced between 2025 and 2027. The Urzat project marks a significant milestone for Türkiye’s automotive industry, as it begins the local production journey for the Chinese automotive brands SWM and JAC. Urzat, a joint venture between ATMO Group — one of the world’s leading automotive sales and distribution companies — and Türkiye’s long-established industrial corporation Urzema Holding, will commence production activities in the Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone starting in September.

ATMO Group CEO Anton Chernov stated that starting the production process in Türkiye is a strategic step for the company, emphasizing that they aim to bring the power center of Chinese automotive brands to Eskişehir through the Urzat project. Chernov highlighted that the rapid developments in the Turkish market and the increasing sales of state-supported new energy vehicles have accelerated the project’s momentum. Urzema Holding CEO Murat Ertaş underlined that the global supply chain is shifting toward Türkiye, adding that their broad network of local suppliers aims to increase the localization rate.

Ertaş pointed out that the factory established in Eskişehir is not merely an assembly plant but a production center focused on advanced technology and engineering. The project targets a localization rate of 25–30% by 2026 and over 40% by 2027. In the long term, the goal is to exceed 50% localization and qualify the vehicles for the “Made in Türkiye” certification. The first product to roll off the production line at the Eskişehir factory will be the SWM G01 PRO model in September. Burak Azmanoğlu, SWM and JAC Türkiye Commercial Operations Director, stated that SWM will include the G03F model in 2026 and an MPV model in 2027 in its local production line. The JAC brand will start production in December with the fully electric E30X model, followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid pickup and SUV models in the subsequent years.

The new SWM G01 PRO stands out with features such as a sporty body kit, full LED headlights, and an electric automatic tailgate. Powered by a 1.5 TGDI ‘Blue Core’ gasoline engine delivering 178 HP, the vehicle is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.4 seconds. Its safety features include ADAS systems, a 360-degree HD camera, and numerous driver-assistance technologies.