ANKARA, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Turkey established on Thursday a joint venture consist of five companies to produce its first home-made car, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
In the ceremony to announce the consortium held in Presidential Complex in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, "Hopefully consortium for the domestically-made car will complete its prototype in 2019 and start commercial sales in 2021."
Anadolu Gorup, BMC, Kiraca Holding, Turkcell and Zorlu Holding will jointly produce Turkey's first indigenous automobile.
The president offered his "full support" for the venture, saying he is ready to buy the first car.
A special team will be established at the Presidency to help the consortium to overcome obstacles, Erdogan said.
Prime Minister Binali Yildirim noted the project "will add new success to the ongoing achievements of Turkey."
Turkey attempted to produce its first home-made car, Devrim (Revolution), in 1961, which was not a success. The production of Devrim cars was halted after first prototypes.
