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Türkiye’s automotive output shrank in the first five months of 2025, with total production falling by 1.4% compared to the same period last year, due in part to a lower average capacity utilization rate of 68%, according to data from the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD).
Automakers produced 598,495 vehicles between January and May, while passenger car output dropped by a sharper 4.3%, reaching 375,183 units. Including tractors, overall production stood at 612,238 units, down 3% year-over-year.
Among individual segments, light vehicles—including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles—operated at 69% capacity. Truck lines ran at only 53%, while bus and midibus facilities recorded a 62% utilization rate.
Tractor production operated at just 44% capacity, highlighting widespread underuse in manufacturing facilities.
Türkiye’s vehicle exports reached 440,221 units in the first five months of the year, marking a 5% increase from the same period in 2024. The rise was largely driven by a 26% surge in commercial vehicle exports, reflecting the corresponding increase in production within the same segment. Meanwhile, passenger car exports fell by 6%, and tractor exports dropped sharply by 41% to 4,298 units.
The automotive sector remained the top contributor to the country’s exports, accounting for 17% of total outbound shipments, according to the Turkish Exporters Assembly. Data from the Uludag Automotive Industry Exporters’ Association showed that total automotive exports rose by 8% year-on-year to $16.4 billion. Main industry exports increased by 10% in value, while the supply industry posted a 6% rise.
Contrary to the decline in production, Türkiye’s domestic vehicle market expanded by 3% year-on-year to reach 506,592 units in the first five months of 2025, with passenger car sales rising by 5% to 394,327 units.
However, overall commercial vehicle sales declined by 4%, with heavy commercial vehicles down 13% and light commercial vehicles dropping 2%.
Locally manufactured vehicles maintained a limited presence in the domestic market. Domestic production accounted for 31% of all passenger cars sold, 20% of light commercial vehicles, and 63% of heavy commercial vehicles during the period.
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