The Automotive Industry Association (OSD) shared production, export, and market data for the first 7 months of the year (January-July). According to the official figures released, Turkey’s total automotive production decreased by 8 percent compared to the same period last year, falling to 767,216 units. The decline in the passenger car segment is felt much more sharply; Production in this segment remained at 424,667 units, a 19 percent loss.

Commercial Vehicles Resist, Passenger Cars Decline

Including tractor production, the total number of vehicles rolling off the assembly line in the first 7 months of the year reached 779,338 units. Despite the obvious decline in passenger car production, the commercial vehicle group is trying to balance the picture.

Production in the commercial vehicle segment increased by 9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Looking at the details:

• Light commercial vehicle production: increased by 10%

• Heavy commercial vehicle production: increased by 4%

The overall capacity utilization rate of the sector was 62 percent. In the sub-sectors, capacity utilization was recorded as 63 percent in light vehicles (cars and light commercial vehicles), 57 percent in the truck group, 69 percent in the bus-midibus sector, and 28 percent in tractors.

Exports saw a decrease in volume but an increase in value

On the export front, two different tables emerge in terms of volume and revenue. Total automotive exports decreased by 14 percent in terms of units during the January-July period, falling to 542,401 units. The 29 percent drop in car exports was the main reason for the decline in unit volume. In contrast, commercial vehicle exports saw an 8 percent increase in unit volume.

Leadership Maintained with $24.4 Billion in Revenue

Despite the contraction in unit volume, the increase in cash value is noteworthy. According to the Turkish Exporters’ Council (TİM) data, the automotive sector continues its leadership on a sectoral basis with a 17% share of Turkey’s total exports.

• Total Automotive Export Revenue: Increased by 2.6% to $24.4 billion.

• Automobile Exports (UIB) Data): Decreased by 9% to $6.3 billion.

• Supply Industry: Increased its exports by 4.5% in dollar terms, making a valuable contribution to the sector.

Risks and Expectations for the Sector

The picture that emerged in the first 7 months of the year, domestic and foreign This shows that Fluctuations in market demand are directly reflected in production. In particular, demand shifts in the European market and electric vehicle regulations affect main industry production, while Turkish manufacturers maintain revenue stability through commercial vehicles and a strong supply industry. In the second half of the year, maintenance cycles at production limits and global interest rate/demand dynamics will play a decisive role in the sector’s performance.