In the first quarter, Turkey’s total automotive production decreased by 9 percent annually, reaching 344,120 units. Similarly, automotive sales also dropped during the same quarter. The Automotive Industry Association (OSD) announced production, export, and market data for the January-March period. According to the data, total production decreased by 9 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 344,120 units. While car production declined by 7 percent to 220,927 units during the same period, the total production, including tractor production, reached 352,299 units. In the commercial vehicle group, production decreased by 11 percent during this period, with heavy commercial vehicles dropping by 32 percent and light commercial vehicles by 9 percent. Compared to the first quarter of last year, the commercial vehicle market shrank by 16 percent, the heavy commercial vehicle market by 20 percent, the light commercial vehicle market by 16 percent, with the domestic vehicle share in the total vehicle market recording a 2-point decrease to 31 percent. The capacity utilization rate of the automotive industry was at 65 percent during this period. The capacity utilization rates by vehicle group were 66 percent for light vehicles (cars + light commercial vehicles), 47 percent for trucks, 60 percent for buses, and 44 percent for tractors. MAINTAINING LEADERSHIP In the first quarter of the year, the total automotive industry exports maintained its position at the top with a 17 percent increase in the sectoral export rankings. Total automotive exports during the mentioned period increased by 2 percent to 9.4 billion dollars compared to the same period in 2024. In terms of euros, there was a 1.4 percent increase to 8.6 billion euros. Primary industrial exports in dollars increased by 1 percent, while supply industry exports increased by 3 percent. In the first quarter, the total automotive export recorded a 1 percent decrease in unit terms compared to the same period last year, with car exports experiencing a 3 percent decrease. Total exports in this period reached 254,683 units, with car exports at 149,843 units. While commercial vehicle exports increased by 2 percent, tractor exports decreased by 45 percent to 2,529 units compared to the same period last year. AUTOMOTIVE SALES DECLINE In the first quarter, the overall market decreased by 7 percent to 285,818 units compared to the same period last year. During this period, the car market also saw a 4 percent decline to 223,793 units, while the commercial vehicle market decreased by 16 percent, the heavy commercial vehicle market by 20 percent, and the light commercial vehicle market by 16 percent. The share of domestic vehicles in car sales was 32 percent, while in the light commercial vehicle market, it was 22 percent. The share of domestic vehicles in the total vehicle market decreased by 2 points to 31 percent compared to the first quarter of last year.