Kocaeli ili automotive industry

The largest share of Turkey's exports belongs to the automotive industry sector. The automotive industry is regarded as the locomotive of the economy. The reason for this is closely related to other industrial branches. The foundations of the world automotive industry were laid in 1769 when the British James WATT carried out a long-running steam machine. The actual establishment of the automotive industry started with various European countries after 1860s. The foundations of the Turkish automotive industry were laid in the 1950s. The first attempt at automobile production was made by the KOÇ company. In 1961, the first Turkish automobile revolution was produced. However, only 4 vehicles were produced. The automotive industry in Kocaeli province started especially after 1980's. Today, four main industrial firms and hundreds of subsidiary companies continue their activities in Kocaeli city. These four automotive main industrial companies are Ford Otosan, Hyundai Assan, Honda Turkey and Anadolu Isuzu. Ford Otosan facilities are located in Gölcük, Hyundai Assan, Izmit, Honda Turkey and Anadolu Isuzu Gebze. Four firms are Turkey's top 500 industrial enterprises. Key words: Kocaeli, Automotive, Industry, Employment