Turkey: Auto production exceeds 1M in January-October

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey's automotive production, including light commercial vehicles, tractors, and automobiles, surpassed 1 million in this January-October period, a sectoral report revealed on Monday.

The Automotive Manufacturers Association (OSD) said the 10-month figure was down 16% compared to the same period last year.

The country's automobile production also slipped 15% year-on-year in the first 10 months of this year.

The sector was smashed by the coronavirus outbreak, OSD head Haydar Yenigun said, adding: "Even if there are adverse effects [of coronavirus] for our industry in the short term, we do not expect any negative effects in the medium and long term."

The overall auto sales market, including light trucks and other vehicles, expanded 78% compared to the same period last year, reaching 605,390 from January to October.

Automotive industry exports narrowed 21% on a dollar basis to $20.4 billion in the first 10 months, compared to last year.

The export value of the automobile sector slipped by 24% year-on-year to $7.3 billion, the report added. The sector exported 720,208 units during the 10-month period.

In October, auto production posted an annual rise of 14% to 150,746.