HABAŞ, one of Turkey’s leading producers of steel and industrial gases, plans to manufacture a domestic hybrid automobile at the former Honda plant in Turkey, a report said on Thursday.

Company officials told Turkish business daily Dünya that they were in contact with more than 30 engineering companies to start serial production of the hybrid car.

The report came a day after Honda ceased production in Turkey, which was announced in 2019 as part of a global restructuring plan.

The Japanese automaker announced in March that the plant in Kocaeli province in northwestern Turkey would be transferred to HABAŞ.

Equipment from another closed Honda plant in Swindon, UK, was also purchased and imported into Turkey, according to the report.

HABAŞ owner Mehmet Rüştü Başaran also reportedly approached former Honda employees for the production of the hybrid vehicle.

In the same vein, the Turkish automotive group (TOGG) hired the former Honda plant manager Murat Akdaş in September 2020.

TOGG, created by five major Turkish conglomerates, seeks to begin mass production of its electric vehicles produced in the country by 2022.

The Honda factory was established in partnership with the Anadolu group in 1997. The Anadolu group is one of the partners of TOGG which also operates a joint venture with the Japanese engine and vehicle manufacturer Isuzu.

The plant in the industrial center of Gebze was producing 50,000 Civic Sedans per year before it closed and employed 770 people. Honda Motor Co. acquired full control of manufacturing and sales operations in Turkey in 2003.

Başaran, who is one of the richest people in Turkey with an estimated fortune of around $ 1 billion (TL 8.86 billion), is known for his passion for the automobile and his vast collection of classic vehicles and luxurious.

The HABAŞ Group also operates in the production of electricity and occupies a leading position in the distribution of liquefied and compressed natural gas (LNG / CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The conglomerate is also active in the financial sector through Anadolubank and its affiliated investment, factoring and leasing divisions.