Turkey is strengthening its position in the global market day by day by using the automotive sector as a strategic leverage in its industrialization journey. Data shared by the Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, at the 51st Ordinary General Assembly Meeting of the Automotive Industry Association (OSD) proves that the sector has transformed not only into a production center but also into a technology and innovation hub. The record-breaking export figure of $41,5 billion in 2025 is the most concrete indicator of the resilience and global competitiveness of the Turkish automotive industry.
Strategic Resilience in the Global Economy and Türkiye's Position
The global economy is going through a period where supply chains are being remapped, protectionist barriers are rising, and competition is no longer solely based on cost, but on technology and innovation. In this new order, countries that achieve self-sufficiency and increase their strategic resilience are coming to the forefront. Turkey, with the steps it has taken in many areas over the last 23 years, from planned industrialization and energy investments to the modernization of logistics networks and structural reforms that improve the business environment, has become one of the countries best prepared for this period.
As Minister Kacır emphasized, the fact that Türkiye's share in manufacturing value added is increasing while Europe's share in this area is declining is not a "shift in axis," but a "success story." While the European Union's share in global production has fallen from 25 percent to 15 percent in the last twenty years, Türkiye's increase from 7 percent to 1,3 percent is a result of the shared vision of our industrialists and engineers.
Automotive Export Records and Predictions for 2026
The automotive sector retained its title as Türkiye's export champion in 2025 as well. Reaching a production capacity of 1,446,000 units last year, the sector achieved its highest ever export figure of $41,5 billion. The continuation of this performance in the first two months of 2026 indicates that the sector has entered a sustainable growth trend.
Today, Turkey is not only a passenger car manufacturer; it is also a leader in Europe in the production of commercial vehicles and buses. Its position among the top five players in global automotive production reinforces the country's reputation for "quality manufacturing." The sector's provision of over 60 skilled jobs in the main industry and over 250 in the supply industry is also vital for social welfare and economic vitality.
The Heart of Innovation: R&D and Design Centers
The fact that the Turkish automotive industry has reached these enormous export figures is no coincidence, but a result of the strong R&D ecosystem established over the last twenty years. According to the Ministry's data;
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169 R&D Centers ve 36 Design CentersIt produces projects directly focused on the automotive industry.
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Operating in technoparks 132 technology startupsIt fuels the sector's innovation capacity.
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Through TÜBİTAK, support has been provided to 3,205 projects and thousands of scientists. 32,9 billion pounds sourceIt forms the backbone of domestic technology.
These investments have transformed Türkiye from a country that merely assembled designs from other countries into a power that develops and exports its own technology.
Green and Digital Transformation: Opportunities Arising from Twin Transformations
The automotive world is currently undergoing a green and digital transformation, dubbed the "Twin Transformation." Carbon neutrality targets and autonomous driving technologies are rewriting the rules of the industry. Turkey views this transformation not as a risk, but as an "opportunity window."
Mechanisms such as the Investment Commitment Advance Credit (YTAK), implemented within the scope of Green and Digital Transformation Programs, are accelerating qualified investments. The 55,8 billion Turkish Lira in financing provided so far to 5 major automotive projects demonstrates Türkiye's determination to have a say in next-generation automobiles. With these projects, Turkish industry is also complying with the "green passport" requirements in international markets by adopting environmentally friendly production methods.
A 60-Year Dream: Togg and the Transformation of the Mobility Ecosystem
In Türkiye's automotive journey, Togg represents much more than just a vehicle. Togg is the realization of our nation's 60-year dream of a domestic car and the strongest signature Türkiye has left on its smart mobility ecosystem. With over 93 Togg vehicles on the roads, it proves the competence of Turkish engineering not only domestically but also in markets like Germany, the homeland of the automotive industry.
Togg's success is creating a locomotive effect, lifting hundreds of technology startups around it. From software to battery technologies, from artificial intelligence to user experience, many local startups are preparing for the global arena alongside Togg.
Fast Charging Infrastructure and Electric Vehicle Vision
As the global market share of electric vehicles rapidly increases, Turkey is responding to this change with infrastructure investments. Thanks to the Fast Charging Infrastructure Support Program, the number of fast charging ports has increased eightfold in three years. Today, Turkey has a seamless transportation network with a total of 41,500 charging ports, 17,800 of which are fast charging ports.
It is predicted that electric and hybrid vehicles will account for over 35% of the market share in 2030. In line with this goal, Turkey aims to be an attractive center for electric vehicle investments not only for the giants already producing in the country, but also for global brands that have not yet invested in Türkiye.
HIT-30 and Electric Vehicles Call
The Ministry of Industry and Technology has launched the HIT-30 program to encourage high-technology investments. The fact that the first calls for proposals under this program are directly aimed at the automotive sector confirms the government's priority in this area.
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Electric Vehicle Call: Comprehensive incentives are offered, provided that the company has an annual vehicle capacity of 150 and an R&D center.
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Battery Production Call: By supporting facilities with an annual capacity of 5 GWh, including cell production, the aim is to reduce dependence on foreign sources for batteries, which are the heart of electric vehicles.
International Diplomacy: “Made in EU” and the Customs Union
The "Made in EU" regulation, one of the biggest risks in global trade, is a matter closely followed by the Turkish automotive sector. The Ministry is conducting intensive diplomatic efforts with the European Union in coordination with the Ministries of Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Treasury.
Türkiye's critical role in the European value chain and its rights under the Customs Union are reminded to its counterparts in the European Commission at every opportunity. With its dynamic population of 86 million, Turkey is not only an indispensable market for Europe, but also a strategic partner for maintaining the competitiveness of European industry. In line with the spirit of the Customs Union, technical and political processes are being meticulously followed to implement regulations that protect the interests of Turkish industrialists.
Leading the Mobility of the Future
The Turkish automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, blending past manufacturing experience with future technology. The record-breaking $41,5 billion figure for 2025 is just one stop on this journey. Driven by the National Technology Initiative vision, Turkey, with its skilled workforce, young population, and entrepreneurial spirit, is ready to lead the transformation of the automotive sector into a mobility ecosystem.
This sector, built on the hard work of our industrialists and the intellectual efforts of our engineers, will continue its determination to make Türkiye one of the world's leading centers for next-generation technologies. The goal is clear: more investment, higher value-added exports, and top-tier partnerships in the global mobility league.
