According to recent data shared by automotive journalist Emre Özpeynirci, the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) revenue collected from motor vehicles in Türkiye exceeded 282,5 billion TL in the first five months of 2026. Despite a 7,5% contraction in the automotive market, the government's tax revenue from vehicle sales showed a remarkable increase. While the market shrank by 22,6% in May, SCT collection increased by 7,9% to 58,6 billion TL. This data reveals that despite the decrease in sales volume, the tax burden per vehicle steadily increased throughout the year.
- Despite a 7,5% contraction in the automotive market, Special Consumption Tax (SCT) collection reached 282,5 billion TL.
- Approximately 30% of the targeted annual special consumption tax revenue for 2026 was collected in the first five months.
- The average Special Consumption Tax (SCT) per vehicle increased from 502 TL to 603 TL.
Tax revenues are rapidly increasing while the market is shrinking.
The automotive sector is going through a challenging period due to the economic climate and market dynamics. Emre Özpeynirci's analysis shows that in May alone, the car market declined to 86 units within 15 business days. However, this decrease in sales volume is not reflected proportionally in tax revenues. On the contrary, the tax revenue the state receives per vehicle is on an upward trend due to inflationary pressures and price updates.
As the market continues to shrink, the amount of special consumption tax the government collects per vehicle is rapidly increasing.
Tax burden per vehicle hit a record high.
One of the most striking changes in the sector is observed in the amount of tax collected by the state from each vehicle sold. While the average Special Consumption Tax (SCT) per vehicle was 486 TL in May 2025, this amount increased to 678 TL as of May 2026. This increase, which occurred in just one year, directly affects the cost of car ownership for citizens. Looking at the average for the first five months of the year, the tax burden per vehicle, which was 502 TL, has risen to 603 TL.
A significant portion of the budget targets have been achieved.
The automotive sector remains a critical revenue stream for the government's 2026 budget targets. The 282,5 billion TL collected in the first five months represents approximately 30% of the total annual targeted Special Consumption Tax (SCT) revenue. This demonstrates that, despite the slowdown in market conditions, the sector maintains its weight on public finances. The market's trajectory in the coming months and the impact of tax policies on sales figures are eagerly awaited.
How do you think the contraction in the automotive market and the increasing tax burden are affecting your plans to own a car? You can share your opinions and assessments on this topic with us in the comments section below.
