Turkey’s Auto Market Breaks Records in November as SUV and EV Demand Skyrockets

Turkey’s automotive sector once again showcased its strength and resilience, with the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD) releasing highly anticipated November 2025 data that confirm the market’s extraordinary momentum. The month delivered historic sales figures, powered by surging demand for SUVs, accelerating electrification, and strong brand competition across both domestic and imported segments.

A Record-Breaking November With Over 132,000 Vehicles Sold

According to ODMD data, Turkey’s automotive and light commercial vehicle market posted a remarkable 9.82% year-on-year increase in November. Total sales reached 132,984 units, surpassing the previous record of 122,309 units set in November 2016.

Breaking down the numbers:
• Passenger car sales jumped 10.78% to 104,795 units
• Light commercial vehicle sales rose 6.38% to 28,189 units

Beyond month-to-month performance, the data also highlight long-term expansion. Sales in November were 50.6% higher than the 10-year average for this period—firm evidence of sustained consumer appetite and strong dealership activity.

Nearing 1.2 Million Units in 11 Months

The broader market continued its upward trajectory between January and November 2025, with total sales increasing 10.16% year-over-year to 1,176,780 units.

Category details show robust growth across the board:
• Passenger cars up 10.96% to 938,177 units
• Light commercial vehicles up 7.13% to 238,603 units

With December traditionally delivering strong volumes, analysts expect the market to close the year at — or even above — historic highs.

SUV Dominance and the Rise of Electrified Mobility

A defining feature of Turkey’s car market in 2025 is the overwhelming consumer shift toward SUVs. In the January–November period, 62.5% of all passenger cars sold — 586,232 units — were SUVs, cementing their position as Turkey’s preferred body type. Sedans followed with 22.4%, and hatchbacks accounted for 14.2%.

Powertrain Trends: EVs and Hybrids Surge

Turkey’s transition toward electrification accelerated dramatically:
• Petrol vehicles: 442,650 units (47.2% share) — a 15.5% decline
• Hybrids: 251,992 units (26.9% share) — a massive 71.3% increase
• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): 166,665 units (17.8% share) — an impressive 100.1% surge
• Diesel cars: down to 7.4% share, falling 18.8%

The growth is especially notable in sub-160 kW electric models, which expanded 88% and represent the majority of EV purchases.

Domestic vs. Imported: Market Competition Intensifies

In November, 36,069 vehicles sold were locally produced, while 96,915 units were imported—reflecting the continued strength of global brands and diversified sourcing strategies.

Among standout performers in the first 11 months:
• Togg, Turkey’s national EV brand, recorded 31,715 sales
• Tesla, a global EV leader, closely followed with 29,955 sales

This reflects a fiercely competitive landscape in Turkey’s fast-growing electric vehicle market.

Segment Breakdown: C-Segment Leads the Market

Segment preferences continued to shape Turkey’s automotive landscape:
• C-segment dominated with 522,853 units (55.7%)
• B-segment followed with 249,397 units (26.6%)
• D-segment accounted for 125,654 units (13.4%)

SUV body styles not only dominated their category but also contributed significantly to overall segment leadership.

Breakdown of Body Style Preferences (January–November)

• SUV: 62.5% (586,232 units)
• Sedan: 22.4% (209,963 units)
• Hatchback: 14.2% (133,105 units)

Automatic Transmission Becomes the Standard

In 2025, Turkish consumers overwhelmingly favored automatic transmissions:
• Automatic: 94.6% (887,442 units)
• Manual: 5.4% (50,735 units)

This shift reinforces a global trend toward convenience-focused vehicle design.

Emissions data show that models emitting 120–140 g/km CO₂ held the largest share at 31.3%, reflecting tighter selection toward mid-range emission vehicles.

Light Commercial Vehicles: Vans Dominate

The light commercial vehicle segment grew 7.13% in the first 11 months, totaling 238,603 units. Body-type preferences were as follows:
• Vans: 75.7% (180,543 units)
• Pickups: 7.3%
• Minibuses: 7.8%
• Light trucks: 9.3%

Diesel continues to dominate this category with a 92% market share, although electric LCV sales jumped 106% to 1,640 units, signaling early but rapid growth in commercial electrification.

Brand Leaders: Renault Takes the Crown

Between January and November 2025, the top-selling brands in the combined passenger and LCV market were:

1. Renault — 120,313 units

2. Fiat — 102,681 units

3. Volkswagen — 95,647 units

4. Ford — 91,059 units

5. Toyota — 80,477 units

6. Peugeot — 74,920 units

Key leaders in domestic production included Renault, Fiat, Toyota, Hyundai, and Togg.