Automotive Industry Association (OSD) announced production, export and market data for the January-April period of 2026. According to the data, while the sector experienced a decline in production and automobile sales, the strong outlook in exports continued to be maintained.
Total production in the Turkish automotive industry in the first 4 months of the year decreased by 3 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 448 thousand 428 units. Total production, including tractors, reached 455 thousand 526 units. Automobile production decreased by 15 percent and was recorded at 250 thousand 276 units.
In the commercial vehicle group, the situation was reversed. While production increased by 17 percent in the same period, a 20 percent increase was recorded in heavy commercial vehicles and a 17 percent increase in light commercial vehicles.
13.8 billion dollar performance in exports
In the first four months of the year, automotive exports decreased by 9 percent in terms of units, reaching 300 thousand 718 units. On the other hand, the 15 percent increase in commercial vehicle exports attracted attention. Automobile exports decreased by 27 percent.
According to Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) data, automotive industry exports reached 13.8 billion dollars with an increase of 9 percent in the January-April 2026 period. The sector maintained its export leadership with a share of 18 percent.
Market narrowed, domestic share came to the fore
The total automotive market shrank by 3 percent in the first four months of the year, falling to 382 thousand 124 units. The automobile market decreased by 6 percent to 290 thousand 870 units.
In the commercial vehicle market, while there was an increase in the light and total segments, there was a 7 percent decrease in heavy commercial vehicles.
According to OSD data, the share of domestic vehicles in automobile sales was 35 percent and in the light commercial vehicle market was 24 percent.
Capacity utilization is 63 percent
The capacity utilization rate in the sector was recorded as 63 percent. The levels of 64 percent in the light vehicle group, 59 percent in the truck group, 70 percent in the bus-midibus segment and 28 percent in the tractor segment attracted attention.
OSD data revealed that export performance remained strong, but pressure continued in the domestic market and automobile production.
Automobile Magazine – English News
Source link 2026-05-18 20:57:00
