Double-digit growth in production
According to data from the Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD), commercial vehicle production in January–September 2025 rose 15% compared with the same period last year.
In this period, light commercial vehicle production increased by 17%.
The industry-wide capacity utilisation rate was 65%.
In its statement, OSD noted that Türkiye’s automotive production reached 1 million 486 thousand units in 2024, and that the pace of production was maintained in 2025.
Exports continue to rise
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), based on General Trade System (GTS) records, exports amounted to 22.6 billion dollars in September 2025.
This represents a 3% increase compared with the same month last year.
In January–September 2025, exports reached 200.6 billion dollars, and over the last 12 months they totalled 269.7 billion dollars.
For commercial vehicles specifically, according to matched data from TİM and OSD, commercial vehicle exports rose 6.3% to 329 thousand units in the first nine months of 2025.
The largest export markets were Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
TİM Chairman Mustafa Gültepe made the following assessment:
“According to General Trade System (GTS) records, we achieved 22.6 billion dollars in exports in September. We are up 3% compared with the same month last year. Our nine-month exports for January–September reached 200.6 billion dollars, and our exports over the last 12 months reached 269.7 billion dollars.”
Electric models are shaping the direction of production
According to the 2025 third-quarter report of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA),
sales of electric commercial vehicles across Europe rose 14%.
This trend has directly influenced the investment plans of Turkish manufacturers.
Karsan announced that its hydrogen-powered e-ATAK Hydrogen model has entered production, while
Ford Otosan completed tests of the E-Transit and new electric tractor platforms at its Gölcük plant.
Mercedes-Benz Türk continues its investments in next-generation trucks at its Aksaray plant, while
BMC plans to expand its domestic engine production by the end of 2025.
The first nine months of 2025 in figures
- Commercial vehicle production: 15% increase
- Light commercial vehicle production: 17% increase
- Capacity utilisation rate: 65%
- Export growth: 6.3%
- Electric vehicle sales growth (EU): 14%
- Sources: OSD, TİM, ACEA (January–September 2025)
Towards 2026: an era of sustainable production
According to industry representatives, Türkiye aims to become one of Europe’s hubs for electric commercial vehicle and component production in 2026.
Domestic manufacturers are focusing on increasing their share in the global supply chain with production technologies that reduce carbon emissions and software-based engineering solutions.
Türkiye’s production power is carrying its engineering to the centre of global competition.
