SWM Motors Türkiye Begins Local Production!
International automotive sales and distribution company ATMO Group is accelerating its investments in Türkiye following its 2023 market entry with SWM Motors. As a Türkiye-based company aiming to expand across global markets, ATMO Group recently established a joint venture with Urzema Holding, forming Urzat Otomotiv A.Ş. to commence domestic production. The partnership with one of Türkiye’s long-established industrial organizations, Urzema Holding, has determined the production location. Accordingly, SWM Türkiye will begin production through Urzat Otomotiv A.Ş., a joint venture between ATMO Group and Urzema Holding, at the Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ).
The Process Is Moving Rapidly!
Burak Azmanoğlu stated that they reached a preliminary agreement in the final quarter of 2024 and shared details about the process: “On the production side, Urzema Holding will take the lead, and our vehicles will be manufactured at their facilities. As ATMO, we will continue our distribution operations. Both ATMO and our Chinese partner SWM have strong confidence in the Turkish market. With over one million vehicles sold annually, Türkiye has become a key automotive market. We set out to explore how we could add value within this ecosystem, and we have now achieved a major milestone for our country.”
Emphasizing that the process has progressed faster than expected, Azmanoğlu added: “SWM, ATMO, and Urzema Holding launched this project with the same vision and determination. Our work began in July–August 2023, and we are now in the final stage. We aim to introduce the G01 Pro, a model specially developed for Türkiye, to local consumers this autumn. We are also planning to expand production with new models in the coming period.”
Significant Added Value for Türkiye!
The Eskişehir production hub will serve not only the domestic market but also export operations. Azmanoğlu stated: “Currently, our G01 model is sold in Türkiye. The locally produced G01 Pro will enter the market with a redesigned interior, advanced technology, and new engine–transmission options. Our infrastructure preparations for exports are also ongoing. ATMO Group already operates across the Balkans and Europe, which makes positioning Türkiye as an export base entirely feasible. This initiative will generate significant added value for the Turkish economy.”
Strong Demand for New Dealerships!
Pointing out the brand’s rapid growth in Türkiye, Azmanoğlu said: “With the start of local production, our domestic sales figures will rise sharply. In line with this, we are expanding our dealer network. Since announcing our production plans, there has been a strong surge in dealership applications. However, we proceed carefully to maintain our high service standards. Our goal is to accelerate growth with strong, visionary dealers. We aim to provide customers across Türkiye with an exceptional sales and after-sales experience. By the end of the year, we plan to more than double our dealership network.”
Eskişehir to Revive Its Automotive Legacy!
Urzema Holding CEO Murat Ertaş emphasized Eskişehir’s strategic importance, stating: “We carried out a long and detailed evaluation process before making our investment decision in Türkiye. Eskişehir stood out with its transportation infrastructure, industrial heritage, supplier network, and qualified workforce. The assembly, quality control, and testing of SWM Türkiye’s combustion and electric vehicles will take place here, reaffirming Eskişehir’s pioneering role in the country’s automotive industry. For us, this city is not only a production center but also the heart of technology and innovation. Many key models will be produced in our new facilities. Eskişehir will add value to us, and we will add value to Eskişehir.”
Up to 2,000 New Jobs to Be Created
Murat Ertaş further explained that in the first year, they expect an initial employment of 40–45 people to ensure efficient production, with plans to increase this number to 100 by 2026. He added: “With the second phase of investment, employment is expected to reach between 1,500 and 2,000 people. According to the current project plan, by 2028 the facility will have the capacity to produce between 200,000 and 250,000 vehicles annually.”
