2025 Success Story in the Automotive Industry: Dynamics of Production, Exports and Domestic Market
The automotive industry's critical role in the Turkish economy clearly continues in the first ten months of 2025. Production and export figures, combined with domestic market growth indicators, form the main drivers that strengthen the sector. In this article, we provide a detailed and clear analysis of all key indicators, from production volumes and export trends to capacity utilization and domestic market share.
Recorded Increase in Total Production and Structural Distribution
In the first 10 months of the year, total automotive production increased by 4% compared to the previous year. 1 million 163 thousand 425 units This growth is driven by balanced developments across segments. Car production, however, fell by 3%. 717 thousand 321 units Total production, including tractor production, 1 million 187 thousand 15 units This table is an important indicator of diversity in production and differentiation between segments.
Additionally, significant production fluctuations were observed in the commercial vehicle group. Production for commercial vehicles increased by 17% during this period, while light commercial vehicles saw a 20% increase and heavy commercial vehicles a 2% decrease. The capacity utilization rate is currently at 66%. This clearly demonstrates how the industry operates with its current capacity and serves as a critical reference for investment.
Capacity Utilization and Distribution Based on Vehicle Groups
- Light vehicles Capacity utilization for (cars + light commercial vehicles) is 67%.
- Truck group for 56%.
- Bus-midibus 66% in the group.
- Tractor for 38%.
These data stand out as critical indicators that demonstrate production intensity across segments and areas requiring improvement. While capacity utilization remains low, particularly in the tractor segment, efficiency in light vehicles remains higher, determining the focus of future investments.
Export Trends and Sectoral Distribution
Automotive exports are expected to increase by 5% in terms of units in the first 10 months of 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year. 864 thousand 809 units During this period, automobile exports decreased by 9%, while commercial vehicle exports increased by 29%. Tractor exports decreased by 21%, 9 thousand 340 units This table clearly reveals the demand differences between classes and the changes in product mix.
According to the data of the Turkish Exporters Assembly, total automotive industry exports in the first 10 months of 2025 34 billion dollars It has reached the level of 100% and continues to lead the sectoral export ranking. Data from Uludağ Exporters' Association (UIB) shows that total automotive exports 33,5 billion dollars In the same period, automobile exports increased by 6% 9,6 billion dollars In dollar terms, main industry exports increased by 14%, while supplier industry exports increased by 6%.
Domestic Market Shares and Market Size
Significant movements are also taking place in the domestic market. In the first 10 months of 2025, the total market is expected to increase by 10% compared to the same period last year. 1 million 78 thousand 527 units The automobile market grew by 11% 833 thousand 382 units While the commercial vehicle market generally showed growth, light commercial vehicles saw a 7% decline, while heavy commercial vehicles saw a 6% decline. These domestic market dynamics, along with total production and exports, ensure the sector maintains a balanced outlook.
While the domestic market share in automobile sales remained at 30%, the domestic market share in light commercial vehicles stood at 21%. These figures demonstrate the share the domestic market holds in domestic production and the impact of localization strategies. Supporting domestic production, in particular, stands out as a critical element for long-term competitiveness.
Conclusion and Industry Leading Trends
Looking at the first 10 months of 2025, a general increase in production and growth in the domestic market are striking. These two main factors are also positively impacting exports and providing positive signals for the sector in terms of employment, investment, and technological development. While the capacity utilization rate remains stable at 66%, it demonstrates that existing infrastructure and factory capacity are operating sustainably, and the differences between segments shape companies' strategic decisions. The growth seen in commercial and light vehicles, in particular, is a significant driver of future production planning. In this process, increasing domestic share and diversifying export markets stand out as key factors supporting the sector's reliable growth. Therefore, improvements in design, production efficiency, and supply chain reliability remain critical to achieving sustainable growth targets.
