Turkey’s auto exports up despite slumping local sales
Turkey's total vehicle sales fell 21% year-on-year to 63'000 units in the first two months of 2005, according to data released by the Turkish Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD). Passenger car sales dropped off 34% year-on-year, and imports accounted for 70% of total market. On the other hand, light commercial vehicle sales rose 6% year-on-year through the end of February. OSD also indicated that total vehicle production rose 15% year-on-year to 126'000 units during the first two months of 2005. Passenger car production totaled 61'000 units, up 1%, while production for light trucks, trucks and minibus rose 47%, 41% and 16% respectively. Vehicle exports rose 49% year-on-year to $2.57 billion, the downturn in domestic sales through the first two months of the year. Passenger car exports rose 11% to 45'000 units, while commercial vehicle exports increased 86% to 39'000 units. However, tractor exports fell 3% to 1'700 units.