Exports continue propping up Turkey’s auto sector
Despite a decline in domestic vehicle sales through the first five months of 2005, vehicle
production increased in
Turkey thanks to a rise in exports.
Data from
Turkey's
Automotive Association (OSD) indicates that
production in the country's
automotive sector rose 8% year on year to 373'000 units through May.
2005 domestic sales of all types of vehicles fell 18% year on year to 260'000 units through the first five months; however, exports rose 26% to 245'000 units.
Passenger car sales, which are dominated by imports (68%), declined 27% to 145'000 units through May.
Turkey's passenger car imports from EU countries fell 36%, while those from Eastern
Europe fell 6%. On the other hand, imports from the
Far East rose 31%.
According to the OSD report, the contraction in passenger cars, trucks and tractor demand continues in May compared to last year.