Stellantis Leadership Reaffirms Commitment To Turkey

Stellantis made headlines this week as Chairman John Elkann and CEO Antonio Filosa traveled together to Turkey, underlining the automaker’s deep commitment to the country and its strategic importance across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Their visit was more than just a ceremonial handshake. Accompanied by Samir Cherfan, Stellantis’ Chief Operating Officer for the MEA region, Elkann and Filosa spent time with the teams at Tofaş in Bursa. For more than five decades, Tofaş—a joint venture between Koç Holding and Stellantis—has been a pillar of the Turkish automotive industry, producing passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that serve both local and export markets.

A Strong Partnership Built On History –

The Koç Holding and Stellantis partnership is one of the longest-lasting in the automotive sector. Tofaş was founded in 1968 by Vehbi Koç, and today the company operates a large-scale plant in Bursa with around 7,000 employees and an annual production capacity of 450,000 vehicles. Stellantis and Koç Holding each hold 37.8% ownership, with the rest being publicly traded.

This relationship has been vital not only to Turkey but also to Stellantis’ broader regional strategy. The combined efforts of Tofaş and Stellantis Turkey over the last four years have led to major milestones, including:

• Leading the Turkish market across key vehicle segments

• Growing overall sales volume by 56%

• Rolling out a refreshed product portfolio

• Strengthening brand trust among Turkish customers

What Elkann & Filosa Had To Say –

Elkann praised Turkey’s role in Stellantis’ global business, calling it a “country of industrial strength, talent, and strategic relevance.” He emphasized that the trust built between Stellantis and Koç Holding is central to both organizations’ continued success.

Filosa echoed those thoughts, highlighting the flexibility and ambition of Stellantis’ Turkish operations. “The journey we’ve taken together reflects the strength of our collaboration and the ambition we share—to grow further in the MEA region and to offer our customers the freedom to choose exciting products,” he said.

Both leaders reinforced Stellantis’ intent to stay close to the Turkish market, respond to local needs with speed, and keep investing in long-term value for both customers and communities.

Why It Matters –

This visit wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. It was a clear message that Stellantis sees Turkey not just as a production hub, but as a launchpad for regional expansion. With its blend of skilled workers, industrial infrastructure, and a growing customer base, Turkey is positioned to play an even greater role in Stellantis’ future.

At the heart of that success are the employees of Tofaş. From engineering to sales and customer support, the passion of the workforce continues to be the driving force behind Stellantis’ achievements in the country.

As the auto industry faces global shifts—from electrification to regional trade demands—Stellantis is making sure its foundation in Turkey remains strong, flexible, and future-ready.