Turkey automotive production and exports decline in first nine months of 2026

Turkey's industrial and automotive sectors showed signs of contraction in the first nine months of 2026. According to the Automotive Industry Association (OSD), total automotive production fell by 6% to 971,159 units, while automobile production dropped 17% to 528,366 units. Despite a decline in export volumes—with automobile exports falling 27%—total automotive export revenue rose by 3% to reach $31.1 billion, driven by higher-value hybrid and technological vehicles.

In the broader economy, August 2026 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) indicated that the total turnover index increased by 31.8% annually across industry, construction, trade, and services. However, industrial production faced challenges; manufacturing industry production fell by 2.5% annually in August. This decline has prompted warnings from political figures like Metin Ergun, who highlighted the potential negative impacts of shrinking production on investment and employment security.

While the automotive market contracted by 13%, domestic vehicle sales saw a 2% increase, contrasting with a 23% drop in imported vehicle sales. The automotive sector remains a leading contributor to Turkey's total exports, accounting for 17% of the share.