A record has been broken in the automotive industry.

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After the year 2023, a record was also achieved in the automobile and light commercial vehicle market in 2024.

5 PERCENT GROWTH RATE

According to the data shared by the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD), a total of 1 million 238 thousand 509 automobiles and light commercial vehicles were sold in 2024. The growth rate in the market during this period was 5 percent. Electric vehicle sales also reached a 10.7 percent share with 105 thousand 315 units sold throughout the year.

"IT WAS A YEAR ABOVE EXPECTATIONS"

In his evaluations to Habertürk regarding the subject, ODMD Chairman Ali Haydar Bozkurt stated that a year exceeding expectations has been left behind. Bozkurt said, "We started the year with different expectations, but 2024 exceeded our expectations. The first quarter started very actively, but there was a sharp decline in April. In the summer months, GSR regulations and aggressive campaigns from brands marked the year," he said.

"THE SHARE OF CREDIT SALES DROPPED TO 10 PERCENT"

Bozkurt also emphasized that there was no update in the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), stating, "The tax base was not updated this year either, and thus the tax bases have not changed for two years. Additionally, previously 70 percent of sales were made through credit, but now this rate has dropped to around 10 percent," he expressed.

"THE COUNTRY'S EXPORT CHAMPION IS AUTOMOTIVE"

Bozkurt noted that historic changes are taking place in the automotive sector, stating, "We are witnessing a century-long change in the world; the technology of cars and the product itself is changing. Business practices are changing, and in 5-10 years, our way of doing business may go to a very different point. With an export of over 37 billion dollars, the automotive sector has become the country's export champion. By adapting to changing conditions, especially our manufacturers, we can stand out in the automotive sector as a country and be ready for the future," he stated.

"THE TAX SYSTEM MUST CHANGE"

Bozkurt also pointed out that the ÖTV system applied to automobiles needs to be renewed, stating, "A brand new tax system should be introduced; even if we want to maintain a system based on engine capacity, developments will not allow this, and this system will need to change. The vehicle fleet is getting older. This negatively affects traffic safety, the environment, and the economy," he shared his views.

"THE MARKET WILL NOT FALL BELOW 1 MILLION UNITS"

Ali Haydar Bozkurt also mentioned that if there are no significant changes in the economy in 2025, they expect the market to be around 1 million units this year. Bozkurt stated, "We believe that the market in Turkey will not fall below 1 million units anymore."