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Turkey’s motor vehicle production fell by 3 percent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, driven by a slowdown in passenger car output and a sharp decline in heavy commercial vehicle manufacturing, according to data released Monday by the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD).
The total number of vehicles produced, including tractors, stood at 612,238 between January and May, down from the previous year’s figures. Excluding tractors, production dropped by 1.4 percent to 598,495 units.
Passenger car production decreased by 4.3 percent year-on-year, totaling 375,183 units. In contrast, commercial vehicle output rose 4 percent, with a 7 percent increase in light commercial vehicles. Heavy commercial vehicle production declined by 19 percent over the same period.
The automotive industry’s overall capacity utilization rate stood at 68 percent. Production of light vehicles, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, used 69 percent of available capacity. Truck production operated at 53 percent capacity, while bus and midibus output reached 62 percent. Tractor production had the lowest utilization rate, at 44 percent.
Despite the production decline, vehicle exports rose. The industry shipped 440,221 vehicles abroad in the five-month period, marking a 5 percent increase in unit terms. Commercial vehicle exports surged by 26 percent, while passenger car exports fell by 6 percent. Tractor exports dropped sharply by 41 percent to 4,298 units.
The automotive sector retained its top position in Turkey’s export rankings. According to the Turkish Exporters Assembly, the industry accounted for 17 percent of total exports in the January–May period.
OSD’s monthly reports are closely watched by analysts as a key indicator of Turkey’s industrial output and trade performance. The sector, one of Turkey’s largest manufacturing industries, is also a major employer and contributor to export revenue.