Turkish auto sales dropped by 14.2% in the first two months of 2025, with a notable decline in passenger car and light commercial vehicle sales, despite growth in electric vehicles.
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| Turkish auto sales dropped 14.2% in the first two months of 2025, with electric vehicle sales showing significant growth despite an overall market slump. Image: ChicHue |
Istanbul, Turkey — March 5, 2025:
Sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in Turkey fell by 14.2% year-over-year in the first two months of 2025, according to data from the Automotive Distributors' and Mobility Association (ODMD) released on Tuesday. The total number of units sold dropped to 159,384, with car sales decreasing by 9.8% to 131,965 units and light commercial vehicle sales plummeting by 30.4% to 27,419 units.
The decline was even more pronounced in February, when the market contracted by 14.4%, totaling just 90,730 units. Car sales in February saw a 7.6% drop, with 76,021 units sold, while light commercial vehicle sales plunged 38% to 14,709 units.
Despite the overall slump, one bright spot emerged in the form of electric vehicles (EVs). Sales of electric cars with power under 160 kW surged by 41.1%, capturing a 9% share of the market, while EVs with power over 160 kW experienced an astonishing 259.1% increase, reaching a 3.6% market share.
In terms of body type, SUVs remained the top choice among Turkish consumers, accounting for 58.6% of total car sales, with 77,344 units sold.
These figures reflect the broader trends in Turkey’s auto market, where traditional vehicle sales are on the decline, but demand for electric vehicles is seeing significant growth. Despite the challenges, EVs appear to be gaining traction as consumers increasingly turn toward more sustainable transportation options.