BRIEFING: Turkey automotive market review

Turkey’s strategic position at the junction of Europe and Asia has taken on new symbolism in recent times. Turkey wants to become part of the European Union, but EU member states are nervous of allowing a country so culturally distinct from Europe to join the party. Turkey primarily produces vehicles for export, with 74.6% of local finished vehicle production shipped overseas. In total, vehicle exports grew by 18% to 820,370 units in 2007 and Turkish auto analysts are forecasting this will hit 1m units in the next couple of years. This briefing looks at the geopolitics, the economic links to Europe and the auto industry in detail. We provide manufacturer activity and a full range of historic vehicle production and sales data.