Tofaş Resmi: The Official Story of Turkey's Automobile Factory
If you are interested in the Turkish automotive industry, you have probably heard of Tofaş, one of the largest and most successful car manufacturers in the country. But do you know how Tofaş started, what it produces, and what makes it stand out among its competitors? In this article, we will tell you the official story of Tofaş, from its foundation in 1968 to its current achievements and innovations.
Tofaş Resmi
Introduction
Tofaş is an acronym for Türk Otomobil Fabrikası Anonim Şirketi, which means Turkish Automobile Factory Joint-Stock Company. It is a joint venture between Stellantis, a global automotive group that owns brands such as Fiat, Citroën, Peugeot, Opel, Vauxhall, and RAM; and Koç Holding, Turkey's largest industrial conglomerate.
Tofaş produces both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles for various brands under license or partnership agreements. It also designs and develops its own models, such as the Fiat Egea family, which includes sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross, and cross wagon versions.
Tofaş has a production plant in Bursa, where it employs about 7,000 people and has an annual capacity of 450,000 vehicles. It also has a sales and after-sales network that covers the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Jeep, Ferrari, and Maserati brands in Turkey.
Tofaş is one of the leading exporters in Turkey, with more than half of its production going to 80 countries around the world. In 2013, it recorded 7 billion TL net sales income and 434 million TL net profit. It also fulfilled 22% of the total production in Turkey with its 240,000 units in that year.
Tofaş is not only a successful business enterprise but also a pioneer in innovation, quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. It has invested heavily in R&D and innovation, becoming Turkey's best automotive R&D center. It has also achieved world-class manufacturing standards and awards, such as the World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal and the European Quality Award. It has also supported various social and cultural projects, such as the Tofaş Museum of Cars and Anatolian Carriages, the Tofaş Academy, the Tofaş Sports Club, and the Tofaş Science High School.
History of Tofaş
The history of Tofaş can be divided into three main periods, each marked by different models, challenges, and achievements. Let's take a look at each of them in more detail.
The first models: Murat 124 and Murat 131
The story of Tofaş began in 1968, when Vehbi Koç, the founder of Koç Holding, signed a license agreement with Fiat to produce Fiat models in Turkey. The first model to be produced was the Fiat 124, which was renamed as Murat 124 in Turkey. The production started in 1971, after the construction of the Bursa plant was completed.
The Murat 124 was a popular and affordable car for many Turkish families. It had a 1.2-liter engine that produced 65 horsepower and a top speed of 150 km/h. It also had a spacious interior and a large trunk. It was available in sedan, station wagon, and coupe versions.
In 1976, Tofaş introduced the second model, the Murat 131, which was based on the Fiat 131. This model had a more modern and aerodynamic design, as well as a more powerful engine that ranged from 1.3 to 2 liters. It also had improved safety and comfort features, such as disc brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and electric windows. It was available in sedan, station wagon, and sport versions.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tofaş developed its own versions of these models, such as the Şahin (Hawk), the Doğan (Falcon), and the Kartal (Eagle). These models had different body styles, engines, and equipment levels, catering to different segments of the market. They were also cheaper and more durable than the original models, making them suitable for the rough roads and harsh conditions of Turkey. They became iconic cars for many Turks and were widely used as taxis, service vehicles, or family cars.
The expansion and diversification: Tempra, Tipo, Uno, and Palio
In the 1990s, Tofaş expanded its production capacity and export markets with new models and investments. It also diversified its product portfolio with different brands and segments. It also adapted to the changing consumer preferences and environmental regulations with new technologies and innovations.
One of the new models that Tofaş introduced in this period was the Tempra, which was based on the Fiat Tempra. This model was a mid-size sedan that offered more space, comfort, and performance than the previous models. It had a 1.6-liter engine that produced 90 horsepower and a top speed of 180 km/h. It also had features such as ABS, airbags, central locking, alloy wheels, and sunroof. It was available in sedan and station wagon versions.
Another new model that Tofaş introduced in this period was the Tipo, which was based on the Fiat Tipo. This model was a compact hatchback that offered more versatility, practicality, and economy than the previous models. It had a 1.4-liter engine that produced 78 horsepower and a top speed of 170 km/h. It also had features such as power steering, electric mirrors, and fog lights. It was available in three- and five-door versions.
A third new model that Tofaş introduced in this period was the Uno, which was based on the Fiat Uno. This model was a subcompact hatchback that offered more agility, simplicity, and efficiency than the previous models. It had a 1.0-liter engine that produced 45 horsepower and a top speed of 145 km/h. It also had features such as rear wiper, folding rear seat, and cassette player. It was available in three- and five-door versions.
A fourth new model that Tofaş introduced in this period was the Palio, which was based on the Fiat Palio. This model was a supermini hatchback that offered more style, functionality, and reliability than the previous models. It had a 1.2-liter engine that produced 60 horsepower and a top speed of 160 km/h. It also had features such as air conditioning, electric windows, remote control, and CD player. It was available in three- and five-door versions.
In addition to these models, Tofaş also produced other models for different brands and segments, such as the Alfa Romeo 156, the Lancia Dedra, the Fiat Siena, the Fiat Marea, and the Fiat Brava. It also exported its models to various countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It also invested in new technologies and innovations, such as catalytic converters, fuel injection systems, multipoint injection systems, common rail diesel engines, and dualogic transmission systems.
The innovation and modernization: Egea, Fiorino, Doblò, and Tipo
In the 2000s and 2010s, Tofaş invested heavily in R&D and innovation, becoming Turkey's best automotive R&D center. It also designed and developed its own models, such as the Egea family, which includes sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross, and cross wagon versions. It also achieved world-class manufacturing standards and awards, such as the World Class Manufacturing Gold Medal and the European Quality Award.
One of the new models that Tofaş designed and produced in this period was the Egea (also known as Tipo in some markets), which was launched in 2015. This model was a compact family car that offered more elegance, comfort, and technology than the previous models. It had a range of engines that varied from 1.3 to 1.6 liters and from 95 to 120 horsepower. It also had features such as touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, parking sensors, reverse camera, and LED headlights. It was available in sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross, and cross wagon versions.
Another new model that Tofaş designed and produced in this period was the Fiorino (also known as Qubo in some markets), which was launched in 2007. This model was a light commercial vehicle that offered more versatility, functionality, and economy than the previous models. It had a range of engines that varied from 1.3 to 1.4 liters and from 75 to 95 horsepower. It also had features such as sliding side doors, folding rear seats, cargo space, and roof rails. It was available in cargo and passenger versions.
A third new model that Tofaş designed and produced in this period was the Doblò (also known as Doblò Cargo in some markets), which was launched in 2010. This model was a compact van that offered more space, performance, and safety than the previous models. It had a range of engines that varied from 1.3 to 2 liters and from 90 to 135 horsepower. It also had features such as airbags, ESP, hill holder, traction control, and start-stop system. It was available in cargo, passenger, combi, and maxi versions.
A fourth new model that Tofaş designed and produced in this period was the Tipo (also known as Egea in some markets), which was launched in 2020. This model was a mid-size sedan that offered more style, comfort, and technology than the previous models. It had a range of engines that varied from 1.4 to 1.6 liters and from 95 to 120 horsepower. It also had features such as digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. It was available in sedan version only.
Conclusion
Tofaş is one of the most successful and innovative car manufacturers in Turkey and the world. It has a long and rich history of producing various models for different brands and segments. It has also invested heavily in R&D and innovation, designing and developing its own models that meet the needs and expectations of the customers. It has also achieved world-class manufacturing standards and awards, as well as supporting various social and cultural projects.
If you want to learn more about Tofaş and its products, you can visit its official website , where you can find more information, photos, videos, brochures, prices, and dealers. You can also follow its social media accounts , where you can get the latest news, updates, promotions, and events.
Tofaş is not just a car factory; it is a story of passion, excellence, and innovation. It is a story of Turkey's automobile industry.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Tofaş:
What are some of the most popular Tofaş models in Turkey and abroad?
Some of the most popular Tofaş models in Turkey are the Egea family (sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross, and cross wagon), the Fiorino (cargo and passenger), the Doblò (cargo, passenger, combi, and maxi), and the Tipo (sedan). Some of the most popular Tofaş models abroad are the Fiat Egea family (sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross, and cross wagon), the Fiat Fiorino (cargo and passenger), the Fiat Doblò (cargo, passenger, combi, and maxi), and the Fiat Tipo (sedan).
How many employees does Tofaş have and where are they located?
Tofaş has about 7,000 employees, most of whom are located in the Bursa plant. It also has a sales and after-sales network that covers the Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Jeep, Ferrari, and Maserati brands in Turkey. It also has offices and representatives in various countries where it exports its products.
What are some of the social responsibility projects that Tofaş supports?
Tofaş supports various social and cultural projects that aim to improve the quality of life, education, culture, arts, sports, and environment in Turkey. Some of these projects are:
The Tofaş Museum of Cars and Anatolian Carriages, which showcases the history and evolution of cars and carriages in Turkey and the world.
The Tofaş Academy, which provides training and development programs for Tofaş employees and other stakeholders.
The Tofaş Sports Club, which promotes sports activities and competitions for Tofaş employees and the public.
The Tofaş Science High School, which offers high-quality education for talented students who are interested in science and technology.
What are some of the future plans and goals of Tofaş?
Tofaş has a vision to be a global player in the automotive industry, with a focus on innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. Some of its future plans and goals are:
To increase its production capacity and export volume with new models and markets.
To invest more in R&D and innovation, developing new technologies and solutions for mobility and transportation.
To improve its manufacturing standards and efficiency, reducing its environmental impact and waste.
To enhance its corporate culture and values, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its employees and stakeholders.
How can I contact Tofaş or visit its factory?
If you want to contact Tofaş or visit its factory, you can use the following information:
Address:Tofaş Türk Otomobil Fabrikası A.Ş.
Yalova Yolu 4. Km Nilüfer / Bursa / Turkey
Phone:+90 224 219 10 00
Fax:+90 224 219 11 11
Email:info@tofas.com.tr
Website:[www.tofas.com.tr]
Social Media:[Facebook], [Twitter], [Instagram], [YouTube]
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