Sakarya’s Rapidly Developing Sectors: Automotive, Machinery, Railway, and Defense Industry

Altay Tank

Sakarya stands as a strong production hub thanks to its geographical location, port, workforce, organized industrial zones, and a longstanding culture of manufacturing. In recent years, the city has gained prominence not only in the automotive and machinery sectors but also through investments in the defense industry. Established in 1973 in Arifiye on an area of 1.8 million square meters, the Tank Pallet Factory has made significant contributions to the development of the defense industry in Sakarya.

With its strategic location, port, skilled labor force, organized industrial zones, and industrial heritage, Sakarya continues to be a preferred destination for investors. It is also the city where Turkey’s first indigenous main battle tank, ALTAY, is produced, marking its continued growth in the defense sector.

Thanks to its knowledge base and production experience, Sakarya is also an important hub for the automotive industry. The city hosts some of Turkey’s major automotive manufacturers, including Toyota, Otokar, Başak Traktör, and Türk Traktör. A large portion of Sakarya’s exports come from this sector. Approximately 80% of the province’s exports consist of “motor vehicles and supply industry” products.

Following the production of the first national train and the first national tank, Sakarya has also become the production site of the country’s first electric vehicle. Toyota manufactured its first hybrid model electric vehicle in Sakarya.

Land vehicles manufactured in Sakarya:

Passenger cars, buses, minibuses, tractors, tanks, armored vehicles, electric trains, wagons, truck trailers, caravans, and electric street sweeping vehicles.