Newsletters
Turkish automotive distributor Dogus Otomotiv is looking to expand its Skoda operations into Iraq after signing a letter of intent with the Czech automaker to negotiate an agreement covering passenger-car sales and after-sales services.
The company disclosed the agreement with Skoda Auto A.S. on Türkiye's Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) on Thursday, marking a new step in a partnership that has lasted more than 30 years.
The letter of intent sets the stage for negotiations on a formal agreement under which Dogus Otomotiv would handle the sale and servicing of Skoda passenger cars in Iraq. The companies have yet to announce the terms of a final contract or a timetable for the start of operations.
The planned expansion would build on Dogus Otomotiv's existing presence in Iraq. Its wholly owned subsidiary, D-Auto LLC, began distributing Volkswagen and Audi vehicles in the country in 2014, initially operating from Erbil.
The company added Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to its Iraqi portfolio in 2015. Dogus Otomotiv also signed a separate letter of intent with Volkswagen AG in July 2025 to negotiate a passenger-car distribution agreement in Iraq.
The Iraq initiative comes as Skoda strengthens its position in Türkiye, one of its largest European markets.
Dogus Otomotiv sold 45,352 Skoda vehicles on a wholesale basis in 2025, up 4% from 43,726 a year earlier, according to the company's annual report. Skoda held a 4.2% share of Türkiye's passenger-car market that year.
Türkiye ranked as Skoda's sixth-largest market in Europe in 2025. The Octavia, Superb and Kamiq were among its leading models in the country, with sales of 9,975, 10,874 and 9,469 units, respectively.
Dogus Otomotiv represents several international automotive brands in Türkiye, including Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, CUPRA, Porsche and Scania. It also has a 50% stake in Yuce Auto, the distributor of Skoda in Türkiye.
The company reported total wholesale sales of 208,170 vehicles in 2025, up 10% from 189,105 a year earlier. Passenger-car sales rose 11% to 181,941, while light commercial vehicle sales increased 5% to 23,615. Heavy commercial vehicle sales, however, fell 9% to 2,614 units.
Its retail market share, including Skoda, reached 15.1%, compared with 14.9% in 2024. Consolidated net sales increased 4% to ₺255.8 billion ($6 billion), while net profit dropped 69% to ₺3.1 billion.
Separately, Dogus Otomotiv is exploring opportunities with Volkswagen Group companies to produce Volkswagen passenger cars in Türkiye.
The companies signed a letter of intent on Oct. 30 to assess potential production options, with a focus on higher-value vehicles equipped with new technologies.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
