Contraction in the Automotive Sector and Demand for a New Tax System
While the automobile and light commercial vehicle market shrank in the first eight months of 2026, sector representatives emphasized the need for financing and tax regulations.
According to data from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association, the total market contracted in the first eight months of 2026. Chairman Hakan Tiftik requested that the taxation system be updated in line with current economic conditions.
Change in the Automobile and Light Commercial Vehicle Market
According to data released by the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association, the total market for automobiles and light commercial vehicles experienced a 12 percent contraction in the first eight months of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year, dropping to 719,996 units.
During this period, the contraction in the automobile market was recorded at 13.8 percent, while the decline in the light commercial vehicle market stood at 4.4 percent; in August, a 20 percent drop was seen in the total market and a 25 percent decrease in automobile sales.
Normalization Process and August Sales Data
ODMD Chairman of the Board Hakan Tiftik stated that the picture emerging in the first eight months of the year followed a course entirely consistent with the market's normalization process following the record sales experienced the previous year.
Stating that a total of 81,000 units were sold in August, Tiftik emphasized that this figure was above the August average of the last five years and that the sector maintains its resilience.
The Growing Share of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Drawing attention to the transformation process in the sector, officials stated that the share of alternative energy-powered vehicles in total sales is rapidly rising and starting to gain significant weight in the market.
According to the released data, the market share of electric vehicles reached 18.8 percent, while the market share of hybrid vehicles rose to 33.1 percent, indicating growing interest in alternative motor options.
Financing Conditions and Call for Taxation
Making evaluations regarding current economic conditions and the future of the sector, the ODMD management called for steps to improve financing conditions in order to revive the automotive market.
Chairman Hakan Tiftik made an official call for the taxation system, particularly the SCT (Special Consumption Tax) structure, to be updated taking into account the changes in the automotive sector and economic conditions.