A former Bosch executive leads the Turkish automobile manufacturer Togg. Until now, the electric SUV was sold only in Türkiye. At the IAA, models for the German market will be showcased.
Togg (Türkiye’s Automobile Joint Venture Group) is a consortium supported by the Turkish state and backed by various companies. The company has already achieved significant success in Türkiye: last year, Togg sold more than 30,000 electric SUVs.
Meanwhile, the company’s German headquarters is located in Stuttgart. Togg CEO Mehmet Gürcan Karakaş told SWR at the IAA Mobility car show that the region provides a strong environment for growth, as it is home to many technology companies.
After Working at Bosch for 20 Years, Now Electric Cars in Türkiye
Former Bosch executive Karakaş established a joint venture called Togg in 2022 in Gemlik, Bursa, by bringing together companies from key sectors such as mechanical engineering, telecommunications, and commerce.
In an interview with Stern magazine, speaking with a slight Swabian accent, Karakaş said, “We want to be more than just a car manufacturer.” The head of Togg had worked at Bosch for over two decades, where he was responsible for the Asian market.
Germany, A Test Market for Togg
By the end of September, Togg plans to launch two electric models in Germany: a sedan and an SUV. The company has not yet announced prices. Karakaş points out that Germany is effectively the largest market: “If we succeed there, we can succeed anywhere.” Experts predict that the manufacturer is also focusing on the large Turkish community in Germany.
Togg unveiled its first vehicle in 2022. The pandemic slightly delayed the timing. Since then, the SUV T10X has sold about 60,000 units in its home market. The model will be a Turkish alternative to the Volkswagen ID.4. An electric sedan with the same technology will also be added, targeting potential customers of the VW ID.7.
“Handelsblatt”: Digital Features More Common in the Luxury Segment
In Türkiye, the base version of the SUV sells for prices starting at 40,000 euros. Wolfgang Gomoll, automotive expert for Stern magazine, praised the model after a test drive in April 2024: “The electric crossover is impressive with its digital ecosystem, in which artificial intelligence creates radio playlists, and with its strong charging performance.” Shortly before the opening of the Munich Motor Show, the newspaper Handelsblatt praised the high performance of the E-SUV T10X. The vehicle includes ideas also found among other manufacturers. However, these ideas are more in the luxury segment and not in the middle class.
Erdoğan wanted a Turkish Volkswagen
Togg is considered a prestige project of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye. Erdoğan supported the creation of the joint venture and promoted it during state visits. During these visits, he also gifted Togg vehicles.
In Türkiye, Togg has built a fast-charging network with more than 2,000 charging points through its charging infrastructure company, Trugo. In an interview with the motor show’s press office, Togg CEO Mehmet Gürcan Karakaş said, “This was made possible thanks to close cooperation with local authorities, national decision-makers, and infrastructure partners.” This allows vehicles to be charged up to 80% in just half an hour.
As in Türkiye, Togg’s sales in Germany will also be conducted directly. To this end, “Experience Centres” will be established in major cities such as Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg. By 2032, one million Togg vehicles will be on the roads.