Officials in Turkey have already confirmed the news but representatives of the Investment Support and Promotion Agency revealed that a feasibility study for the location is currently underway. Nevertheless, construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2010.
The factory will support Dongfeng's expansion in Europe, as it will be in charge of building cars belonging to the Chinese manufacturer for both the Turkish and overseas markets. Some of the models built in Turkey will be exported to Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the aforementioned source note.
On the other hand, Dongfeng is also trying to expand its business by buying new companies or forming partnerships with existing carmakers across the world. For example, it has been rumored that the Chinese automaker plans to takeover Holden, in spite of statements from the Australian company denying any type of negotiations.
"We are paying close attention to the impact the financial crisis has had on the international automotive industry and we’re keen about utilizing such resources," he vice-president of Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Li Shaozhu, was quoted as saying in July.
However, Australian Industry Minister Kim Carr denied reports and said that none of the Australian units belonging to large carmakers, including Ford or GM, are for sale. “The Australian subsidiaries of Ford, General Motors and Toyota are not for sale. General Motors Holden has had no contact with Dongfeng, the assets are not for sale, and there has been no change to that position,” he told The Age.
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