With an impressive GDP growth of 3.7% forecast in 2019, “Made in Turkey” vehicles fast becoming a reality
With USD 30.4 billion in exports in the last 12 months, automotive is Turkey’s leading export sector
Today Turkey is the 14th biggest automotive producer globally and 4th in the EU (excluding United Kingdom)
Turkey is the 9th biggest commercial car producer globally
SHANGHAI, June 20, 2018 – Turkey’s automotive production reached a record high in 2017, rolling out 1.75 million vehicles – an increase of 14% when compared with 2016, according to a report from the Turkish Automotive Manufacturers Association. With USD 30.4 billion in exports in the last 12 months (up to April 2018), automotive is the leading export sector of Turkey. Turkey is becoming an increasingly competitive car manufacturer, as its industries are expanding their technical know-how.
In the early 1990s, rapid industrialization transformed Turkey’s automotive sector from assembly-based partnerships to a full-fledged industrial manufacturing sector with a significant production capacity. Turkey produces vehicles for export and many international manufacturers have made Turkey their base, evidenced by the fact that 77% of production is intended for export markets.
Additionally, the Turkish automotive industry is now aiming to enhance its R&D, design, and branding capabilities. According to Turkey’s Investment Support and Promotion Agency, 132 R&D and design centers belonging to automotive manufacturers and suppliers became operational in Turkey at the end of 2017.
China, the world’s biggest car market, is among the top import countries for Turkey. To add, Turkey is now taking aim at producing its very own electric car, a goal very much aligned to China’s auto ambitions.
Commenting on the current growth of the Turkish Auto sector, Ömer Burhanoğlu, Board Member of Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and Former Chairman of TAYSAD (Association of Automotive Parts and Components Manufacturers) said, “Turkey and China’s automotive sectors have been flourishing in recent years. Both countries share the strong and active desire to be at the forefront of auto developments and related technological innovations. Much like China, Turkey is striving to lead by example. Building closer economic ties and collaboration in the automotive sector will mutually benefit development and growth of this sector in both countries. We are excited to see what the potential looks like for automotive collaboration between China and Turkey. We believe that jointly, the two nations can redefine global automotive leadership, especially in the field of connected cars and EV development.”
About Turkey Promotion Group (TPG)
Under the roof of Turkish Exporters’ Association, Turkey Promotion Group (TPG) was established in 12th August 2017, to unify all activities to promote Turkey, as well as Turkish products and services among global markets. TPG carries the mission to improve and spread ‘Turkey, Discover the Potential’ concept in global arena; to highlight the economic potential of Turkey, introduce and provide facts and figures about the country and its exported products.
