Turkey posts $41.5 bn auto export record, ranks 13th globally

Turkey's automotive sector achieved a historic export peak of $41.5 billion in 2025, selling 1.37 million vehicles, according to the Allianz Trade Automotive Industry Report. The country moved up to 13th place worldwide in vehicle production and secured the 5th spot in Europe. In the light‑commercial‑vehicle segment Turkey became Europe’s largest producer and ranked ninth globally, while its bus industry placed fourth worldwide.

During the first half of 2026 the sector’s total export value rose 4 % year‑on‑year to $20.8 billion, despite a 5 % drop in passenger‑car exports to $5.98 billion. Cars were shipped to 82 countries, with France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom accounting for the largest shares. Domestic sales contracted 8 % to 577,583 units, and car sales fell 10 % to 440,234 units, though the local market share for cars remained at 35 %.

Overall vehicle production fell 6 % to 663,397 units, with passenger‑car output down 16 % to 368,480 units. Commercial‑vehicle output rose around 10 % across light, medium and heavy categories, and capacity utilisation held at about 62 %. The combined growth in export value and improved rankings underscores Turkey’s increasing role in the global automotive supply chain.