Motorcycles Top Vehicle Registrations in Turkey, Surpassing Cars

Motorcycles became the most registered vehicles in Turkey in June 2025, marking a major shift in national traffic trends. According to data from TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), 48.7% of all vehicles registered in June were motorcycles, surpassing cars, which held a 38.2% share. This change highlights a growing preference for two-wheeled transport amid seasonal shifts and urban traffic challenges.

Out of 189,237 newly registered vehicles in June, nearly half were motorcycles. While automobile registrations dropped by 16.9% compared to the previous month, motorcycle registrations fell by only 2%, maintaining their lead. The number of registered motorcycles now stands at 6.6 million, accounting for 20.6% of all vehicles on Turkish roads.

Motorcycles Dominate Vehicle Market as Summer Arrives

The summer season appears to have fueled motorcycle demand, with rising temperatures encouraging more commuters to switch to cost-effective and fuel-efficient alternatives. Despite a 10% overall decline in monthly vehicle registrations, motorcycles remained resilient, especially when compared to other categories like buses, vans, and trucks.

June also saw a rise in registrations for tractors and special-purpose vehicles, contrasting with the downward trend in most other motorized categories.

Annual Trend Reinforces Motorcycle Momentum

Even when compared year-on-year, motorcycles maintained a dominant presence. Although registrations dropped 7.4% from June 2024, motorcycles continued to lead, highlighting a structural change in consumer transportation choices.

Experts cite lower operating costs, ease of urban navigation, and fuel savings as key factors pushing motorcycle popularity ahead of traditional car ownership.

Second-Hand Market Reflects Similar Pattern

Beyond new registrations, the second-hand market also reflected motorcycle strength. 840,022 vehicle ownership transfers were processed through notaries in June. While automobiles made up 66.6% of these transfers, motorcycles ranked second at 12.4%, signaling high mobility and liquidity in the used motorcycle market.

This resilience in both primary and secondary markets showcases motorcycles as a sustainable urban transport solution and a growing component of Turkey’s urban mobility ecosystem.

Structural Shift in Urban Transportation Preferences

With car demand showing signs of weakness, the rising role of motorcycles indicates a deeper structural transformation in how people move through cities. As traffic congestion and fuel prices continue to influence commuting behavior, motorcycles offer a fast, economical, and flexible alternative for short- and mid-range travel.