Turkish Auto Market Breaks Record: 110K Sales in September

The Turkish automotive market has achieved a historic milestone, surpassing 110,000 sales in September 2025, the highest September figure ever recorded. Despite rising costs and economic uncertainty, the sector continues its remarkable momentum, with total sales in the first nine months reaching 927,000 units. Analysts now expect the market to exceed the one-million threshold in October.

Record Sales Despite Economic Headwinds

According to the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD), car sales alone reached 88,274 units in September, while light commercial vehicle sales pushed the overall total past 110,000. Compared with September 2024, this represents a 25.71% increase, signaling that strong demand continues to offset inflationary pressures and higher borrowing costs.

In the January–September period, passenger car sales rose 9.15% year-on-year, totaling 742,687 units. The resilience of the sector demonstrates that, for many consumers, cars remain both a necessity and a perceived hedge against ongoing price hikes.

Passenger and Light Commercial Surge

Breaking down the numbers, passenger car sales grew by 26.77% compared with the same month last year, while light commercial vehicles increased by 21.66%, reaching 22,028 units. The dual growth reflects a healthy balance between private consumers and business fleets, both adapting to rising costs by accelerating purchases before prices climb further.

Renault Dominates the Brands

Competition among automakers was fierce, but Renault emerged as the clear winner in September with 10,613 sales. Fiat followed with 6,497 units, while Volkswagen trailed closely at 6,464. Over the first nine months, Renault retained its leadership with 84,752 sales, ahead of Volkswagen and Toyota. Fiat and Hyundai also solidified their positions among the top five, reflecting strong brand loyalty and a preference for models produced domestically.

Local Models Lead the Pack

Domestic production played a decisive role in shaping consumer choices. Renault’s Megane Sedan topped September’s model chart with 4,372 units sold, followed by the Fiat Egea Sedan (4,005) and Renault Clio HB (3,707). Nissan Qashqai and Dacia Sandero Stepway rounded out the top five. However, when looking at the full nine-month period, the Renault Clio HB took first place with 34,246 units, ahead of the Megane Sedan and Egea Sedan. Notably, the Tesla Model Y ranked as the fourth best-selling model overall, underscoring the market’s gradual shift toward electric mobility.

Electric Cars Face a Sharp Decline

One surprising development was the sudden decline in electric vehicle (EV) sales. In September, 12,706 EVs were sold, accounting for 14.39% of the monthly market, a sharp drop from the 21.26% share in July and 20.46% in August. Experts attribute the fall to new tax increases, making September the fifth-weakest month for EVs in 2025.

Despite the slowdown, Tesla Model Y remained the best-selling electric model, followed by domestic brand Togg’s T10X and T10F, which continue to strengthen their foothold. Other leaders in the EV segment include the MINI Countryman, Kia EV3, and BYD ATTO 3, illustrating the diversity of consumer preferences.

SUV Models Reign Supreme

SUVs continue to dominate the Turkish auto market, accounting for 62.72% of total sales in the first nine months. September maintained a similar ratio at 62.19%, with 465,791 SUVs sold year-to-date. The Nissan Qashqai led September SUV sales with 3,621 units, followed by the Dacia Sandero Stepway and Fiat Egea Cross. On an annual basis, the top SUV spot belonged to the Tesla Model Y, reflecting both the rise of electrification and the enduring popularity of crossover designs.

Why Demand Stays Strong

What makes these record numbers striking is the broader economic backdrop: high inflation, climbing interest rates, and widespread uncertainty. Analysts suggest that consumers view cars as an investment tool, rushing to buy before further price hikes erode affordability. This “last chance buying” mentality is driving momentum even as credit becomes costlier.

Still, when sales are measured against Turkey’s population, the market remains smaller compared with developed economies. Experts caution that while short-term demand remains strong, long-term sustainability will depend on economic stability, financing availability, and continued adaptation to electric and hybrid technologies.