Full Breakdown
Türkiye's Automotive Sector Achieves Record Export Levels
12/15/2025, 9:54:47 PM
Record-Breaking Export Performance
Türkiye's automotive sector has achieved a historic milestone in exports, surpassing its previous record within the first 11 months of 2025. According to data from the Uludag Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association (OIB), automotive exports reached $37.76 billion, marking a 12.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This performance not only exceeds the previous year's total of $37.2 billion but also positions the automotive sector as Türkiye's leading export industry for the 19th time in the last 20 years, excluding 2022.
Key Sub-Sector Developments
The growth in exports is attributed to various sub-sectors within the automotive industry. The supply industry, which is crucial to the automotive sector, saw a 5.1% increase in exports, rising from approximately $13.74 billion to $14.44 billion. Passenger car exports also contributed significantly, increasing by 5.7% from $11.05 billion to $11.69 billion. Notably, the sector is on track to surpass its highest export value of $12.38 billion recorded in 2018 if December exports exceed $691 million. Furthermore, exports of motor vehicles for transporting goods surged by 30%, reaching $6.49 billion, while exports of buses, minibuses, and midibuses rose nearly 30% to $2.98 billion.
Major Export Markets
Germany remains the top destination for Türkiye's automotive exports, with shipments increasing by 39% year-over-year to $6.14 billion. France follows as the second-largest market, with exports rising 15% to nearly $4.4 billion. The United Kingdom saw a modest increase of 2%, reaching $3.85 billion, while Spain and Italy ranked fourth and fifth, with exports of $3.16 billion and $3.02 billion, respectively.
Production Trends
In terms of production, Türkiye's total automotive output reached 1.3 million units in the January-November period, reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year. However, passenger car production declined by 3% to 796,276 units. In contrast, the commercial vehicle segment demonstrated robust growth, with overall production rising by 19%. Exports in unit terms increased by 5%, totaling 960,989 vehicles, while the value of total automotive exports rose by 11.4% to $37 billion.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the positive export figures, some industry analysts express concern over the reliance on foreign markets, particularly in light of the significant percentage of imported vehicles in the domestic market, which accounted for 70% of passenger car sales during the same period.
Official Statements & Responses
Industry representatives have highlighted the importance of maintaining this momentum and are optimistic about the potential for further growth in December. The automotive sector's performance is seen as a vital component of Türkiye's overall economic health.
Verbatim Quotes
In summary, Türkiye's automotive sector has not only set new records in exports but also demonstrated resilience and growth potential, positioning itself as a key player in the global automotive market.
