Valeo Bursa: At the Heart of Electrification in Türkiye

“Bursa is the Detroit of Türkiye”, sums up Tuna Arinci, National Director of Valeo Türkiye. Having joined Valeo in 1987 as a mechanical engineer, he now heads the three industrial sites in Bursa as well as the Group’s operations in the country. Under his leadership and that of the local teams, Valeo Türkiye has grown from a few tens of millions of euros in revenue to nearly 700 million euros today, with the ambition of reaching one billion euros in the coming years.

“It’s a true success story made possible by incredibly dedicated, agile, and experienced teams. Many employees spend their entire careers at Valeo”, he emphasizes.

A strategic hub connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

The Turkish automotive sector is currently undergoing a profound transformation driven by electrification. Electric vehicles already account for nearly 18% of sales in the country, and nearly 45% when hybrid powertrains are included. In this context, Bursa benefits from major competitive advantages: a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as a highly developed industrial ecosystem.

The hub also relies on a highly skilled workforce, recognized for its flexibility and ability to adapt to technological changes. Electronics, mechatronics, advanced mechanics: local expertise fully supports the rise of electrification technologies and smart systems.

At the heart of this ecosystem, Valeo Bursa brings together three production sites and an R&D center, forming an integrated industrial complex dedicated to the Group’s electrification strategy.

Bursa 1: Historical Expertise in Transmission Systems

As Valeo’s historic site in Türkiye, Bursa 1 specializes in transmission systems. It also houses a certified R&D center dedicated primarily to clutches and dual-mass flywheels.

Each year, the site produces approximately 4 million clutches and 1.5 million dual-mass flywheels. Nearly 40% of its output is destined for the aftermarket.

The site also illustrates Valeo’s diversification of technologies toward new forms of mobility. Bursa 1 produces subassemblies for the electric bicycle assistance systems developed by the Group, which is extending its expertise in electrification well beyond the automotive sector.

Bursa 2: From Alternators to Key Hybridization Technologies

Bursa 2 focuses on strategic activities related to alternators, wiper systems, and early electrification solutions.

The site produces nearly 2 million alternators annually and supplies wiper systems to numerous local automakers. It also manufactures 48V eAxle solutions, key technologies supporting vehicle hybridization.

Equipped with R&D laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities, including a next-generation engine test bench, Bursa 2 plays a central role in the development of the Group’s new propulsion technologies.

Bursa 3: A New Milestone in Electrification

Inaugurated in October 2025 and largely funded by local authorities, Bursa 3 marks a major milestone in Valeo’s push toward electric mobility.

Dedicated to thermal management systems and electric compressors—essential technologies for hybrid and electric vehicles—this state-of-the-art plant has become Valeo’s second-largest facility in this field and houses the Group’s largest cleanroom dedicated to electric compressors.

With its 4,000 m² cleanroom, Bursa 3 exemplifies Valeo’s commitment to making long-term investments in electrification technologies close to growing markets.

“Being at the heart of the electrification challenge truly makes the teams proud. The electric vehicle market is booming in Türkiye. By contributing to this transformation and producing these new technologies, our employees see their future”, he adds.

A forward-looking hub

In the face of a challenging macroeconomic environment, Valeo Bursa is continuing its industrial transformation. The automation, robotization, and digitalization of production processes are enabling the hub to strengthen its competitiveness while increasing the technological value of its operations.

This transformation is accompanied by significant investment in talent. Recruitment needs are rapidly shifting toward careers in mechatronics, electronics, and NVH testing. To this end, Valeo is developing close partnerships with several major universities in the region, notably Uludağ University and Bursa Technical University.

Engineers also benefit from international assignments at the Group’s other sites to acquire new expertise in software, electrification, and advanced testing.

This dynamic helps maintain strong team commitment, characterized by high tenure and a solid industrial culture.

As an industrial hub, engineering center, and key player in electrification, Valeo Bursa fully embodies the Group’s transformation toward cleaner and smarter mobility.

After nearly four decades with the Group, he reflects on how far they’ve come: “Seeing a project of this scale take root here was a moment of immense pride for the teams”, he says.