Automotive sales, production, and exports begin to decline

The Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD) has released data for February 2025. Compared to the same period last year, total production decreased by 9%, total automotive exports fell by 4% in units, and automobile exports dropped by 7%. In the first two months of the year, automotive sales declined by 15% compared to the same period in the previous year.

As the leading umbrella organization of the Turkish automotive industry, with 13 key members, the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD) announced production, export, and market figures for the first two months of 2025.

Accordingly, total automotive production in the first two months of the year decreased by 9% compared to the same period last year, reaching 218,991 units. Passenger car production declined by 6% to 141,496 units.

During this period, production in the heavy commercial vehicle segment fell by 54%, while light commercial vehicle production decreased by 8%. Additionally, the capacity utilization rate in the automotive industry stood at 62%.

Exports reach $5.9 billion in 2025

In the first two months of the year, automotive exports declined by 4% year-over-year, totaling 158,168 units. During this period, passenger car exports dropped by 7%, while commercial vehicle exports increased by 1%.

According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), the total automotive industry exports remained at the top of the sectoral export ranking in February 2025 with a 16% share.

Based on figures from the Uludag Exporters’ Association (UIB), total automotive exports in the first two months of 2025 fell by 1% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $5.9 billion. In euro terms, exports declined by 2%, amounting to €5.4 billion. During this period, main industry exports in dollar terms fell by 3%, while supplier industry exports increased by 2%.

Domestic market shrinks by 15%

In the January-February 2025 period, the total automotive market shrank by 15% year-over-year, reaching 164,324 units. During this period, the passenger car market also declined by 10%, totaling 131,965 units.

Compared to the same period last year:

• The total commercial vehicle market contracted by 31%
• The heavy commercial vehicle market declined by 35%
• The light commercial vehicle market shrank by 30%