Turkish Automotive Industry Enters New Competitive Era with Digital Transformation

Turkey's automotive sector, a critical player in global value chains with exports exceeding USD 40 billion, is entering a new competitive phase driven by digital transformation. Baran Çelik, Chairman of the Automotive Manufacturers and Suppliers Association (OİB), stated that member companies are supporting adaptation to this transformation, emphasizing that Automechanika Istanbul has established Turkey as a regional hub for the aftermarket sector through 25 years of experience.

Strong Export Performance in 2025
Despite global economic fluctuations, Turkey's automotive sector maintained robust export performance. Ending 2025 with USD 41.5 billion in exports, an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year, the sector provides employment to over 550,000 people, playing a critical role in global value chains.

Çelik stated that supply chain normalization, model refreshes, and growth in alternative markets supported performance in the second half of 2025. Noting that the sector closed the year strongly with USD 3.76 billion in exports in December, Çelik said that developments such as digital transformation and the European Green Deal present both risks and opportunities for the sector. He noted that OİB provides member companies with UR-GE project support, sustainability training, and international cooperation opportunities.

EU-Focused Export Growth and Market Diversification
Noting that the supply industry holds the largest share by product group at USD 16 billion, Çelik stated this is followed by passenger vehicles with USD 13 billion, commercial vehicles with USD 7 billion, buses, minibuses and midibuses with USD 3.3 billion, and tractors with USD 1.9 billion.

Stating that 72.5% of 2025 exports went to EU countries, Çelik emphasized that Germany was the sector's largest market with USD 6.6 billion. Other major markets received exports of USD 5.1 billion to France, USD 4.2 billion to the United Kingdom, USD 3.4 billion to Spain, and USD 3.3 billion to Italy.

Stating that 2026 will focus on market diversification, Çelik announced plans to increase visibility in the United States, MENA region, Central Asia and Latin America through trade missions and sector-specific fairs. He also said they plan to increase export share in electric vehicle components, battery systems, and software-enabled automotive solutions.

Automechanika Istanbul Positions Turkey as Regional Hub
Baran Çelik stated that Automechanika Istanbul has established Turkey as a regional hub in the aftermarket sector. The fair, marking its 25th anniversary, hosted approximately 1,500 companies from 40 countries, with 676 of them Turkish firms.

Çelik stated: "Through Automechanika Istanbul, Turkey is positioned as a country both conducting manufacturing and located at the center of trade and distribution networks. We believe Automechanika Istanbul 2026, to be held on 19–22 May, will make significant contributions to the sector's international recognition and competitiveness."

Electric Mobility and Digitalization Come to the Fore
Among the sector's focus areas in 2026 are spare parts and service solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles, battery maintenance technologies, alternative fuel systems, and digital service platforms. Çelik stated: "The aftermarket is no longer limited to mechanical parts production. Software, data analytics, and remote diagnostics solutions have entered the competitive field. At the same time, low-carbon manufacturing and use of recyclable materials are on company agendas. In this way, we are building an automotive ecosystem that generates technology and provides solutions."

OİB Chairman Baran Çelik stated that Automechanika Istanbul 2026 will accelerate digital transformation and international cooperation in the sector, emphasizing that the Turkish automotive industry will continue to strengthen its global competitive position in both manufacturing and aftermarket services.