IONIQ 3 Mass Production Begins at the İzmit Plant
Hyundai Motor Türkiye officially announced the start of IONIQ 3 mass production at its İzmit plant on August 14, 2026. Hyundai Motor Europe’s newsroom also described the model as the first electric vehicle produced by Hyundai Motor Türkiye at the İzmit plant.
The significance of the announcement goes beyond the start of production for a new vehicle. The IONIQ 3 brings together Hyundai’s European small EV strategy and the electrification of its production base in Türkiye. Hyundai said the İzmit plant underwent roughly two years of equipment conversion to support EV production for the IONIQ 3, backed by an investment of €250 million.
Initial Production Scale and Export Plans
Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology, said Hyundai Motor Türkiye would initially produce 30,000 IONIQ 3 units annually.
Exports will account for a substantial share. Hyundai Motor Türkiye’s official materials state that 80% of vehicles produced at the İzmit plant are exported. Anadolu Agency reported that approximately 80–85% of IONIQ 3 units are planned for export to more than 40 European countries. Because the two sources use slightly different wording, the export share should be understood as differing by source.
What Kind of Car Is It?
Hyundai introduced the IONIQ 3 in Milan on April 20, 2026, describing it as an all-electric compact hatchback. The company also positioned it as a model designed for everyday European use.
Hyundai Motor Türkiye’s product page likewise presents the IONIQ 3 as a fully electric compact vehicle. However, it notes that specifications may vary depending on certification procedures, market, and trim, so range and performance figures should not yet be treated as final confirmed values.
Sales and Next Steps
According to Hyundai Motor Europe’s official materials, the IONIQ 3 is scheduled to go on sale in September 2026, depending on the market. The company also plans to offer it with two battery and motor options. However, sales cannot be assumed to begin at the same time in every market, and prices and some final specifications may vary by market.
The İzmit plant’s electrification momentum does not end with the IONIQ 3. In June 2026, Hyundai Motor Türkiye announced an investment in a battery assembly plant at the İzmit facility linked to the IONIQ 3 investment, stating that the facility would initially create more than 300 jobs. Hyundai Motor Europe’s official production-start materials said that hybrid production of the next-generation BAYON and i20 in 2027 would further strengthen the İzmit plant’s advanced manufacturing system.
Ultimately, the start of IONIQ 3 production signals that Hyundai is putting its production base into practical operation for the European small EV market. More important than the product announcement itself is the transformation of the İzmit plant into a hub in the European supply chain, handling both EV and hybrid production.