http://www.network54.com/Forum/248068/thread/1332011447/last- 1332024074/+in+Norwegian+news

Turkey makes automotive history

Saturday, 17/03/2012, at. 5:34 p.m.

GENEVA (ABC News): At the Geneva Motor Show showed Karsan Otomotiv the concept car V1, designed entirely by Turkish engineers. V1 is best known for the long competed to become New York's exclusive taxi supplier for the next ten years. The car went to the top of the taxi referendum along with the Nissan NV200 and Ford Connect, but had been beaten at the Nissan last year.

A press release from the government suggests that the Turks are very proud to show off a "very own" car abroad for the first time. So confident is the government on car project that they support the production of V1 with 200 million euros, almost a half billion.

- Our Prime Minister has been looking for a hero who can provide our automotive value and reduce the operating deficit. The hero is here, says 's Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan told the newspaper Sabah.

Karsan has created both a cab version and a passenger version of the V1. According Karsan- Manager Jan Nahum has it cost $ 17 million, around 97 million, to develop both models.

The production of V1 is scheduled to begin in 2014. The company expects to produce 20,000 vehicles a year. V1 is well adapted for the disabled and has room for four passengers behind the driver's seat. A retractable ramp provides good access to the cabin, and some of the most remarkable aspect of the car - glass ceiling - bodes well for the passenger experience.

The engine is mounted behind, and the standard at the moment is a 2.4 liter V4 is. If the customer wants another engine technology, it should be possible to replace the internal combustion engine with a hybrid - or eldrift.

Karsan already produces a variety of vehicles for companies such as Renault, Citroen and Hyundai. Other Turkish-produced cars that were shown in Geneva, Transit, Hyundai i20 Assans new and Oyak Renault Megane HB, writes the newspaper Sabah.