Northern Cyprus is manufacturing its first domestic automobile, the result of years of work conducted by the Near East University Innovation Center, research and development (R&D) teams and the department of automotive engineering, revealing the long-anticipated automobile's brand, model and technical features to the press.

Speaking at a press conference held in the foyer of Near East University Hospital, professor İrfan S. Günsel, chairman of the Near East University Board of Trustees, said that the commencement of mass production is the realization of a long awaited dream.

Emphasizing the moment when scientists saw the prototype of their product after years of hard work, the chairman said that guests will now witness a dream come true, stressing that the 50-year-old dream was realized after a project spanning eight years.

Explaining the significance of the vehicle's brand name "Günsel," the chairman said that the Oct. 9 birthday of the first automobile for Northern Cyprus corresponds with not only his own birthday 35 years ago, but also with "lucky number nine," which has brought his family good fortune over the years.

Recalling that automotive manufacturing was only a dream of his in the beginning, the chairman used to make cars out of mud and dreamed of creating a "red-roadster" convertible, which couples could ride in with their hair blowing in the wind. Günsel attributed the achievement to the in-depth research done by Near East University over the years.

The chairman pointed to the importance of car manufacturing during the press conference, saying that the development of the automotive industry is key to becoming a global power, vowing to manufacture a world-class brand to bring prestige, privilege and power to Northern Cyprus. Günsel added that there are goals to establish a factory in the near future and that Northern Cyprus aims to export its automobiles in the future.