Honda’s New Motorcycle Production Facility in Turkiye - A Q&A With Honda Motor Europe President, Hans De Jaeger

In April, 2026, Honda Motor Europe President, Hans De Jaeger, officially opened the company’s new motorcycle production factory in Aliağa, Izmir. Marking a significant milestone in the expansion of Honda’s world-leading motorcycle business, this investment also underlines our commitment to European manufacturing and sales and the growing importance of the Turkish market. The new site becomes Honda’s 38th motorcycle production facility globally and has an initial capacity of 100,000 units a year.

Spanning a total area of 100,000 square meters, including 45,000 square meters of indoor space, the facility will play a significant role in strengthening the local supply chain, and generating economic value for the Aliağa region and Turkiye as a whole. Furthermore, it has been designed in accordance with Honda’s global manufacturing standards, with a focus on quality, efficiency, flexibility, and safety.

In this instalment of Honda Stories, we sit with Hans at the official opening of the factory to discuss his view on the latest investment in the European region.

What does the opening of this facility represent for Honda in Europe?

HDJ: Today marks the opening of Honda’s 38th motorcycle factory. It builds on the deep knowledge and engineering expertise we have developed through producing more than 500 million motorcycles across five continents, and this investment in Turkiye will make that foundation even stronger.

How does this investment align with Honda’s broader global vision?

HDJ: A key focus for Honda is to be a company that society wants to exist. For us, that means contributing to the economic development of the regions where we invest, supporting local communities, and always operating responsibly. Our Aliağa factory is a clear example of that approach in action, bringing together business growth and a broader social purpose.

Why is Turkiye strategically important to Honda?

HDJ: We’ve seen the motorcycle market in Turkiye continue to grow in recent years, with many younger customers getting on a bike for the first time. That growing demand is not only a strong business opportunity for Honda, but also a chance to further develop a strong motorcycle culture in Turkiye.

Why was the PCX125 chosen as the first motorcycle to be produced at the facility?

HDJ: In Turkiye, and across Europe more broadly, we continue to see strong demand for mobility that is high-quality, affordable and reliable, and the PCX125 is a very natural fit for that. It is one of our most popular models, with more than 140,000 sold across Europe since 2010, and its combination of ease of use, efficiency and everyday practicality makes it ideal for stylish, dependable urban transport.

What role do sustainability and responsibility play in this project?

HDJ: Like all our facilities, this new factory has been developed with a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility, in line with Honda global standards. As part of our Triple Action to Zero commitment, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, the goal is to minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to the communities in which we operate.  Within the community, we will also take on projects to improve road safety education in local schools and embark on an ambitious afforestation initiative to combat the effects of forest fires.

What message does this investment send about Honda’s future in Europe?

HDJ: This investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European region, and to Turkiye in particular. We see real opportunities here and want to keep growing our business in a sustainable way. By continuing to invest in local production, innovation and partnerships, we can create lasting value for our customers, our partners and wider society.

For Honda, what does success ultimately look like in Europe?

HDJ: For us, the true measure of success is not only economic figures. It is about creating an impact that touches society and adds value to people’s lives. Moreover, Turkiye perfectly highlights our approach of localised manufacturing, sustainable growth and delivering mobility solutions that support everyday life and business across Europe and beyond.

Read the full press release: https://hondanews.eu/eu/en/corporate/media/pressreleases/573904/honda-opens-new-motorcycle-production-factory-in-turkey-11