The latest figures from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD) have revealed a mixed picture for Turkey’s automotive market in the first quarter of 2025. According to otomobilhaber.com‘s report, while overall car sales showed a slight decline, certain segments of the market displayed positive growth, particularly for SUVs.
Car and Light Commercial Vehicle Sales Decline
For the January-March period, car sales in Turkey decreased by 4.1% compared to the same period last year, with a total of 223,793 units sold. Sales of light commercial vehicles also saw a decline, dropping by 15.5% to 52,491 units.
However, March 2025 showed some improvements compared to last year. Despite an overall market contraction of 6.4%, car sales experienced a notable 5.5% increase, reaching 91,828 units. Light commercial vehicle sales grew by 10.2%, with 25,072 units sold.
The Dominance of Affordable Vehicle Segments
As highlighted in otomobilhaber.com, the market remains dominated by vehicles with lower tax rates, such as those in the A, B, and C segments, which accounted for 82.2% of total sales. Within this, C-segment cars led with 125,442 units sold, capturing 56.1% of the market, followed by B-segment vehicles, which accounted for 25.9% of sales with 57,861 units.
SUVs Continue to Lead Consumer Preferences
The SUV body type continues to be the top choice for Turkish consumers. According to otomobilhaber.com, SUVs made up 59.7% of total sales, with 133,512 units sold in March 2025, reinforcing their growing popularity in Turkey’s automotive market.
Top 10 Best-Selling Car Brands
The list of top-selling car brands in Turkey for the first quarter of 2025 shows some familiar names dominating the market:
Renault – 27,993 units
Toyota – 20,757 units
Fiat – 15,436 units
Volkswagen – 15,432 units
Hyundai – 14,960 units
Peugeot – 14,437 units
Opel – 9,616 units
Skoda – 8,388 units
BYD – 8,211 units
BMW – 7,851 units
As otomobilhaber.com points out, these brands continue to dominate, but competition is rising, especially from emerging players like BYD, which is gaining traction with its electric models.
Top-Selling Cars in March 2025
March also saw specific models leading the pack in sales. The most popular vehicles in Turkey in March 2025 were:
Renault Clio – 5,139 units
Renault Megane – 3,828 units
Fiat Egea Sedan – 3,703 units
Toyota Corolla – 3,466 units
Peugeot 2008 – 3,208 units
Togg T10X – 3,180 units
Citroen C4X – 2,850 units
Fiat Egea Cross – 2,770 units
Toyota C-HR – 2,738 units
Nissan Qashqai – 2,261 units
Among these, the Renault Clio remains a top performer, as per otomobilhaber.com, with consistent sales figures that reflect its strong market presence in Turkey. Additionally, the Togg T10X, a significant model for local production, continues to show its growing appeal.
Conclusion: A Mixed Yet Optimistic Outlook for Turkey’s Auto Market
The overall decline in sales during the first quarter of 2025 suggests challenges for the automotive market, especially in light of economic factors. However, the growth in specific segments, such as light commercial vehicles and the popularity of SUVs, signals a positive trend for the market moving forward. The increase in sales of electric vehicles like the BYD model is also noteworthy, as more consumers consider eco-friendly alternatives.
In the coming months, the Turkish automotive market will likely continue to evolve, with more focus on fuel-efficient and electric vehicles to meet growing demand and environmental considerations.
As an automotive enthusiast, it’s encouraging to see the rise of new players like BYD and the sustained success of established brands such as Renault and Toyota. The Turkish market is clearly shifting toward more eco-friendly options, but traditional models remain strong contenders. It’s an exciting time to watch how these trends develop in the coming months, especially with the ongoing push for sustainability.
For further updates on the Turkish automotive market, visit Otomobilhaber.com
