ANKARA, Turkey
Turkey is forcing ahead with plans to manufacture its own brand of car, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the new factory of Ford Otosan on Thursday, he said: "I insist on my yearning for a locally produced motor car in Turkey and we are preparing the infrastructure required to fulfill this dream.
Ford Otosan is the Turkish branch of Ford Motor Company and the biggest exporter of country's automotive industry, according to the company.
He added: "Turkey is closer than ever to fulfilling its dream of producing a local brand of motor car.
"There are people who are upset with the development of Turkey's democracy and the strengthening of its economy and they continue their attacks."
Erdogan said that they were building the future of their nation within the constraints of democracy and with the mandate given by the people of Turkey.
"Turkey will continue on the road to development despite internal and external threats," Erdogan said.
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