Krone opens trailer operation in Turkey

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Friday 5 April 2013

kroneturkeyGerman-owned trailer-maker Krone has opened its Turkish joint-venture factory in Tire, İzmir Province.

Krone Dogus Treyler – 51 per cent owned by Krone and 49 per cent by local firm Dogus Otomotiv – is aiming for a 20 per cent market share in what is seen as one of the most promising markets in Europe. Krone’s Turkish logistics partner, Ekol, believes the country’s logistics industry could grow from an estimated $45bn today to around $250bn by 2023.

Initially the plant will turn out around 2,000 trailers a year but ultimate capacity is around 10,000 a year. Initial models will be the Profi Liner standard curtainsider trailer, the higher capacity Mega Line and the flatbed BS. The Box Liner container chassis will be added to the line-up shortly.

Although essentially standard Krone products, the models have been adapted to the needs of the local market. The Profi and Mega Liners come with drop-sides and the trailers are built to TIR standards for ease of customs examination – a large proportion of the Turkish trucking market is cross-border. Like all trucks in Turkey, the trailers also carry a fire-extinguisher. Trailers are also fitted with an underslung 50-litre water tank and ‘food box’ for the driver – according to a Krone spokesman, at least 90 per cent of all Turkish trailers have these creature comforts.

Although the Turkish market will be the initial focus of the Tire factory, Krone says it will eventually supply other markets in the Middle East and North Africa. This was one of the factors in choosing the site’s location; the nearby port of İzmir has regular ro-ro links to North Africa and Europe, which also facilities the import of material and components.

Axles, tyres and brake systems are supplied from Germany, but the plan is to completely localise chassis production.