Electric, hybrids account for over half of cars sold in Türkiye

The Turkish automotive industry recorded a sharp decline in sales during the first seven months of 2026, with the combined market for automobiles and light commercial vehicles contracting by 10.72 percent year-on-year. According to data released by the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD), total sales amounted to 638,965 units, marking a significant drop from the previous year. Passenger car sales saw a more pronounced contraction, falling 12.14 percent to 502,712 units. Light commercial vehicles fared slightly better, though still declining by 5.05 percent to 136,253 units. The downturn was particularly steep in July, when the overall market for both categories dropped 25 percent year-on-year to 80,786 units. Passenger car sales in the month alone plunged 25.79 percent to 62,478 units, while light commercial vehicle sales fell 22.17 percent to 18,308 units. Comparing July figures to the average of the past five years, the total market for automobiles and light commercial vehicles declined by 2.8 percent. Passenger car sales were down 3.1 percent from this benchmark, and the light commercial vehicle segment saw a 2.0 percent decrease. These figures highlight a sustained downward trend in demand, even against a backdrop of historical averages. Fuel type distribution within the market showed that gasoline-powered cars remained the dominant category, accounting for 41.4 percent of sales with 208,046 units sold. Hybrid vehicles followed closely behind with a 33 percent share, selling 165,924 units. Electric vehicles held an 18.7 percent share, contributing 94,046 units to the market. However, sales of electric vehicles faced notable challenges, with a 9 percent year-on-year decline during the January-July period. In July alone, EV sales dropped sharply by 27.1 percent to 12,715 units. Domestic electric vehicle manufacturer Togg managed to sell 25,848 units over the first seven months of 2026, demonstrating resilience in the face of broader market pressures. Meanwhile, international brand Tesla recorded lower sales, delivering 4,088 units during the same timeframe. This contrast underscores the varying fortunes of different players in the evolving automotive landscape. The data reflects a complex interplay of factors affecting consumer behavior and industrial output. While gasoline-powered vehicles continue to dominate, the shift toward alternative energy sources appears to be slowing, possibly due to economic conditions, regulatory changes, or shifting consumer preferences. As the automotive sector navigates these challenges, the performance of domestic brands like Togg will likely remain a focal point for analysts and policymakers alike. The coming months will offer further insight into how the industry adapts to ongoing trends and external pressures.