Information and Communication Technologies Authority President Ömer Abdullah Karagözoğlu attended the 8th International Automotive Engineering Conference, where the latest technologies and developments in automotive engineering were scrutinized.
Speaking at the opening of the conference organized by the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters' Association (OİB), Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD), Automotive Technology Platform (OTEP), and Automotive Suppliers Association (TAYSAD) in collaboration with the American Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), Karagözoğlu stated that the rapid digital transformation experienced today is also strongly felt in the automotive sector.
Karagözoğlu said, “Today, vehicles have transformed into smart devices. Effectively utilizing these smart devices requires the presence of strong infrastructure, which is of great importance. In this regard, we are empowering the development of all sectors in our country with alternative and continuously evolving infrastructures. Fiber infrastructure length has exceeded 536 thousand km. With our strong fixed, mobile, and satellite technologies, we live connected lives anytime, anywhere, and can access many services remotely.”
Emphasizing that Istanbul is highly important for the automotive sector, Karagözoğlu stated, "Istanbul, at the crossroads of east and west, holds a strategic position for the automotive sector. Significant changes and transformations are occurring worldwide in the automotive industry. The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating. The global electric vehicle market is growing rapidly."
Referring to the significant contribution of the global automotive industry to the world economy, President Karagözoğlu said, "Turkey is the world's 13th largest automotive producer with 1.35 million units produced in 2022. In the same year, with over 950 thousand vehicles exported, our country ranks among Europe's largest automotive exporters. This dynamic sector provides employment to more than 1.5 million people directly and indirectly."
Stating that new technologies like 5G are seen as key technologies in the context of autonomous and connected driving, Karagözoğlu said, “As BTK, we place great importance on establishing a domestic and national 5G infrastructure in our country. In this scope, we established the 5GTR Forum in 2016. Subsequently, we launched the 5G Valley Open Test Field for testing 5G technologies. We opened the area between the campuses of METU, Bilkent, and Hacettepe Universities and the BTK Main Building for free use by all parties wishing to conduct 5G and beyond studies as a 5G test-trial field. The End-to-End Domestic and National 5G Communication Network Project continues with domestic and national production efforts in 5G. We provided the first 5G service in our country at Istanbul Airport for the use of our citizens and foreign visitors.”
Noting that cyber attacks put the safety of passengers and drivers at risk, Karagözoğlu emphasized that cyber security is of vital importance in autonomous vehicles. Karagözoğlu stated, “As BTK, we attach special importance to cyber security. The National Cyber Incident Response Center (USOM) under our institution protects our cyber homeland 24/7. While USOM detects cyber threats targeting our country and takes necessary measures before significant damage occurs, it also works in coordination with the Cyber Incident Response Centers (SOME) of institutions and organizations. By sharing threat intelligence obtained on cyber security with SOMEs, it collaborates to neutralize potential attacks.”
Stating that the automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation due to the need to reduce carbon emissions and transition to a circular economy, President Karagözoğlu concluded his speech by saying, “One of the main goals of this transformation is for produced vehicles to be environmentally friendly. Turkey is one of the pioneering countries in this regard. The most beautiful and pride-worthy example of this is TOGG, Turkey's car. This eco-friendly electric vehicle is an important stakeholder in our fight against climate change.”