The Citroën Berlingo manufactured by Tofaş in Turkey from 2026

For several years now, the meteoric rise of the chevron brand on the Anatolian market has been reshaping the map of its global success. Driven by a methodical expansion strategy and a perfectly targeted product offering, the manufacturer has seen its registrations soar, to the point of making Turkey its second-largest global market behind France in 2025. This remarkable performance is underpinned by the full deployment of its contemporary range, perfectly suited to meet the demands of a local clientele seeking versatility and reliability. To consolidate this momentum and reach a new commercial milestone, Citroën has made the strategic decision to accelerate its industrial foothold through the local manufacturing of its iconic Citroën Berlingo, the true spearhead of its commercial vehicle lineup.

The context: a strategic alliance between Stellantis and Tofaş

The brand's industrial infrastructure is about to undergo a major transformation thanks to carefully orchestrated group synergies. Historically a partner of the Fiat group, the Bursa plant managed by Tofaş recently strengthened its ties with Stellantis to execute a spectacular ramp-up, increasing its local production capacity from 50,000 to over 500,000 units. After successfully initiating the production of the K0 program's light commercial vehicles last year, encompassing the Citroën Jumpy and Spacetourer alongside their Peugeot Expert cousins, the assembly lines are now preparing to welcome the vehicles of the K9 program.

It is within this highly favorable environment that the Citroën Berlingo will be manufactured locally starting in the third quarter of 2026. This partial relocation—the majority of the group's European compact van production remaining in Spain—aims primarily to supply a domestic market that is particularly fond of this model. Indeed, since its original introduction exactly 30 years ago, the Berlingo has already won over more than 150,000 users in Turkey, proving the enduring appeal of a concept that cleverly combines the spaciousness of a family car with the ruggedness required by professionals.

Management's vision: Bora Duran's stated ambitions

This major industrial reorganization is accompanied by a very clear vision, championed by the brand's local management. Bora Duran, Director of the Citroën Turkey brand, emphasizes that this decision marks a decisive turning point for the manufacturer's development in the region. According to him, launching Berlingo production on Turkish soil, precisely in the year this iconic model celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, is far from anecdotal.

He firmly states that this initiative "is an important indicator of Citroën's confidence in our country and our production infrastructure." The subsidiary's ambitions do not stop at merely consolidating current achievements, as the executive adds: "Turkey is not only a booming market for Citroën, but it is also becoming an increasingly strategic production hub." By recalling the successful prior integration of the Jumpy and Spacetourer models, Bora Duran sets an ambitious course for his teams: to leverage the logistical and financial advantages brought by this domestic production to firmly place Citroën among the top three brands in the segment.

Citroën in Turkey: exceptional commercial momentum

Management's optimism is backed by tangible results that testify to Citroën's excellent health in this highly competitive territory. Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) play a dominant role in this commercial triumph. An analysis of the first five months of 2026 perfectly illustrates this trend: while the overall commercial vehicle market in Turkey recorded a modest growth of 2%, the French brand's registrations jumped by 13.5% compared to the same period the previous year.

This leap forward represents a volume of approximately 9,950 units sold, allowing the manufacturer to increase its market share by a full point to reach 10.3% in the LCV segment. The success is particularly notable for the passenger version, the Berlingo Combi, whose sales soared by 30%. In this context of high demand, the arrival of a "Made in Turkey" Berlingo promises to be a powerful catalyst. This industrial proximity will not only shorten delivery times but also allow for finer adjustments of the offering to local specificities, thereby guaranteeing the achievement of ambitious market share targets.

In conclusion, the decision to assemble the Citroën Berlingo in Turkey is part of an assertive conquest strategy. This new industrial localization aims not only to further stimulate the brand's flourishing commercial vehicle sales but also to strengthen its local economic footprint, definitively making Turkey one of the essential pillars of Citroën's international sales. By joining the Bursa lines, the famous leisure and commercial vehicle will henceforth be produced in four distinct factories across Europe and its borders. A dense industrial network that proves, in the most beautiful way possible, the central role and crucial importance of the Berlingo in the French brand's long-term strategy.