Turkey’s New Car Sales Decline by 24 Percent in September
According to the latest data released by the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD), the Turkish automotive market experienced a significant downturn in September 2026. The total market for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles reached 83,469 units, marking a 24.33% contraction compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline in new car sales highlights a broader cooling trend that has persisted throughout the year. While the passenger car segment saw a sharp decrease of 27.80%, totaling 63,736 units, the light commercial vehicle sector also faced challenges, recording a 10.42% reduction with 19,733 units sold during the month.
- The total Turkish automotive market contracted by 24.33% in September compared to the previous year.
- Passenger car sales experienced a decline of 27.80% during the month of September.
- The nine-month total market volume decreased by 13.39% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Light commercial vehicle sales fell by 10.42% to reach 19,733 units.
Nine-Month Data Confirm a General Market Contraction
The industry reports provided by the ODMD reveal that the first nine months of 2026 have been characterized by a persistent loss of momentum across the board. From January through September, the total market volume shrank by 13.39%, falling to 803,465 units. This aggregate decline reflects the ongoing difficulties faced by both manufacturers and consumers in the current economic landscape.
Specifically, the passenger car segment suffered a loss of 15.45% during this nine-month window, with sales dropping to 627,977 units. Meanwhile, the light commercial vehicle segment saw a more moderate decline of 5.12%, resulting in 175,488 units sold. These figures underscore that the weakness in the automotive sector is not limited to a single month but represents a sustained trend observed throughout the fiscal year so far. {{WP_IMAGE_1}}
Five-Year Historical Averages Present a Complex Picture
When evaluating the September performance against the backdrop of the last five years, the data reveals a nuanced situation. Despite the year-over-year decline, the total market managed to outperform the five-year September average by 0.8%. This suggests that while current growth is hindered, the market retains a degree of historical resilience in early autumn.
However, the divergence between vehicle types is notable. The passenger car market remained 1.9% below its five-year average, indicating a specific struggle for that segment. Conversely, the light commercial vehicle sector performed well, exceeding its five-year average by 10.7%. This separation highlights how different segments within the industry are responding to current market pressures in unique ways.
Given the current cooling trend in the automotive sector, what factors do you believe are driving these sales figures, and do you anticipate a recovery in the final quarter of the year? We invite you to share your market insights and predictions in the comments section below.
Your comment has been submitted,
it will be published after approval.