Turkey’s total automotive production decreased by 9% annually in the first quarter, reaching 344,120 units. In the same period, automotive sales also experienced a decline. The Automotive Industry Association (OSD) released production, export, and market data for the January-March period. According to the report, total production decreased by 9% compared to the same period last year, totaling 344,120 units. While automobile production declined by 7% to 220,927 units during the same period, including tractor production, the total production reached 352,299 units. In the commercial vehicle group, production decreased by 11% in this period, with heavy commercial vehicles experiencing a 32% decline and light commercial vehicles a 9% decline. Compared to the first quarter of last year, the commercial vehicle market decreased by 16%, heavy commercial vehicle market by 20%, and light commercial vehicle market by 16%, resulting in a 2-point decrease in the domestic vehicle market share to 31% from the first quarter of last year. The capacity utilization rate of the automotive industry was 65% during this period. The capacity utilization rates by vehicle group were 66% for light vehicles (passenger cars + light commercial vehicles), 47% for trucks, 60% for buses, and 44% for tractors. LEADING POSITION MAINTAINED In the first quarter, total automotive exports increased by 17%, maintaining its leading position in sectoral export rankings. During the mentioned period, total automotive exports increased by 2% to $9.4 billion compared to the same period in 2024. In Euro terms, there was a 1.4% increase, amounting to EUR 8.6 billion. Main industry export in dollars recorded a 1% increase, while supply industry export increased by 3%. In the first quarter, total automotive exports decreased by 1% in terms of units compared to the same period the previous year, with automobile exports experiencing a 3% decrease. Total exports in this period reached 254,683 units, while automobile exports stood at 149,843 units. While commercial vehicle exports increased by 2%, tractor exports reduced by 45% compared to the same period last year, reaching 2,529 units. AUTOMOTIVE SALES DECLINE In the first quarter, the total market decreased by 7% to 285,818 compared to the same period the previous year. During this period, the automobile market saw a 4% decline to 223,793 units, while the commercial vehicle market experienced a 16% decline, heavy commercial vehicle market a 20% decline, and light commercial vehicle market a 16% decline. The domestic vehicle market share in automobile sales was 32%, while the domestic vehicle market share in the light commercial vehicle market was 22%. The domestic vehicle market share in the total vehicle market decreased by 2 points to 31% from the first quarter of the previous year.