Updated
Updated · Hurriyet Daily News · Jul 12
Türkiye Auto Production Falls 6% to 663,397 in H1 as Exports Hit $20.8 Billion
Updated
Updated · Hurriyet Daily News · Jul 12

Türkiye Auto Production Falls 6% to 663,397 in H1 as Exports Hit $20.8 Billion

1 articles · Updated · Hurriyet Daily News · Jul 12

Summary

  • 663,397 vehicles were produced in Türkiye in the first half of 2026, down 6% year on year, while Capacity utilization in the automotive industry stood at 62%.
  • Passenger car output drove the decline, dropping 16% to 368,480 units, even as total commercial vehicle production rose 10%, with heavy vehicles up 9% and light vehicles up 10%.
  • 462,552 vehicles were exported in unit terms, down 12%, as passenger car exports fell 27%; Tractor exports, however, climbed 26% to 6,653 units and commercial vehicle exports rose 8%.
  • $20.8 billion in automotive exports still marked a 4% increase in value, keeping the industry Türkiye’s top export sector with a 17.5% share of total sectoral exports.
  • 577,583 units were sold in Türkiye’s total auto market, down 8%, with the passenger car market off 10%; domestically made vehicles accounted for 35% of car sales and 23% of light commercial sales.

Insights

As car production slumps, can Türkiye's pivot to EVs and trucks maintain its export crown?
Will new EU trade rules treat Türkiye's auto industry as a partner or a locked-out competitor?