Automotive Industry Association (OSD), the umbrella organization of the Turkish automotive industry, shared production, export and market data for the January-June period of 2026 with the public. According to the data revealing the strategic position of the branch in the Turkish economy, while the total production was 663 thousand 397 units in the first half of the year, the automotive division managed to maintain its leadership in Turkey’s foreign trade with an export income of 20.8 billion dollars.

Although there are partial contracts in production and sales numbers compared to the same period of the previous year, the automotive industry continues to maintain its competitive power in global markets.

Production Figures Have Changed

The report shared by OSD clearly reveals the activity on the production line. While car production decreased by 16 percent to 368 thousand 480 units in the first half of the year, a positive momentum was achieved in the commercial vehicle group. It was noteworthy that there was a 10 percent increase in light commercial vehicle production and a 9 percent increase in heavy commercial vehicle production. The capacity utilization rate across the sector was 62 percent.

The increase in commercial vehicle production was the most valuable element supporting the department’s total production capacity.

Export Revenues Showed an Increasing Tendency

On the export side, different dynamics stand out both in terms of quantity and value. Although exports in terms of units decreased by 12 percent to 462 thousand 552 units, total automotive exports in dollar terms increased by 4 percent and reached 20.8 billion dollars. According to the information of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, the sector continues to be at the top of the list with its 17.5 percent share in total exports. In particular, the 26 percent increase in tractor exports had a positive impact on foreign sales numbers.

Market Contraction Was Effective in the Process

In the January-June period of 2026, domestic market data reflected the slowdown in consumer demand. The total market decreased by 8 percent compared to the previous year, reaching 577 thousand 583 units. The 10 percent contraction in the car market caused sales numbers to remain at 440 thousand 234. The market share of domestic vehicles was recorded as 35 percent in the car segment and 23 percent in the light commercial vehicle segment.

The contraction observed in the overall market in the first half of 2026 also directly affected the market share rates of domestically produced vehicles.

Do you think that a recovery process will begin in the automotive industry in the second half of the year? You can share your expectations and opinions about the future of cutting with us in the comments section.