IN THIS FEATURE Turkish auto empire starts

Turkey's first home-grown car since the Anadol of the 70s is planned for 2002. A private company, Jetpa Holding, showed prototypes in Istanbul last October, and the latest pictures show a relatively well-developed concept. The Imza 700 (named from the Turkish for 'signature' and the years of the Ottoman Empire) is a five-seater mini-MPV, designed to appeal to Europe as a budget purchase, as well as to developing markets. The Imza 700 is of similar dimensions to the Mercedes A-Class, but will offer more interior space. It will have power steering, airbags and ABS, and will conform to all modern European safety and emissions standards. Jetpa is building a factory in eastern Turkey, which is set to produce 100,000 cars a year from 2002. Should the initial Imza 700 be a success, Jetpa is also drawing up plans for an estate, coupe and cabriolet versions. As well as a three-cylinder diesel engine and a four-cylinder petrol unit, two-stroke versions may be produced for developing markets.