TESK calls for ÖTV tax reduction to renew aging vehicle fleet

Bendevi Palandöken, President of the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), has called for a reduction in Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) to facilitate the renewal of aging vehicles in Turkey.

Palandöken noted that out of 35 million vehicles in the country, 7 million are over 20 years old, with an overall average age exceeding 14 years. He emphasized that these older vehicles, particularly commercial ones used by tradesmen, pose risks to life and property safety, increase maintenance costs, and contribute to environmental pollution.

With automobile and light commercial vehicle sales having declined by 12 percent this year, Palandöken argued that an ÖTV reduction would revitalize the market, encourage the adoption of newer technology, and reduce the economic and environmental burdens caused by outdated fleets.