Turkey's car market set to shrink in 2026 after years of growth

Data from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association indicate that Turkey's automotive market is on track to end 2026 with fewer sales after three years of strong performance. In September, total sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles fell 24.3% year-on-year to 83,469 units, while passenger car sales dropped 27.8% to 63,736 units. Over the first nine months, the market declined 13.4% to 803,465 units.

Hakan Tiftik said recent financial-market turbulence and broader economic challenges have led many buyers to postpone purchases, and that short-term promotions cannot replace the need for easier credit. He warned that limited credit access especially hurts middle-income buyers and that financing conditions, consumer confidence, vehicle pricing, the used-car market and promotional activity will shape demand in the final quarter, with total sales expected between 1.1 million and 1.2 million units.