Automotive Exports January 2026

Automotive
aftermarket prospers…
Mehmet Soztutan, Editor-in-Chief
mehmet.soztutan@img.com.tr
Editör
We have recently paticipated in Automechanika Dubai 2025. From
9-11 December 2025, the Dubai World Trade Centre transformed into a
global meeting point for industry leaders, innovators, and professionals
shaping the future of the automotive aftermarket.
Across three days, the show showcased products and solutions from
every part of the industry, including parts, components, tyres, batteries,
lubricants, electronics, diagnostics, body & paint, accessories, and
digital technologies. Visitors explored international pavilions, joined
conferences led by experts, and experienced live demonstrations of
key innovations.
More than an exhibition, Automechanika Dubai 2025 served as a
hub for networking, learning, and partnerships, producing valuable
opportunities for business growth across the MEA region.
Currently, there are major multinational vehicle manufacturers with their
own production facilities in Türkiye. While some of these companies are
engaged in a joint venture with Turkish companies, others are operating
independently.
The Turkish automotive components industry reaches into many
different sub-sectors of activity. Turkish producers of parts and
components have attained high standards reflected by large export
volumes to the Western countries.
There are numerous producers of automotive components and
services in Türkiye. More than half of these manufacturers compete in
international markets and set high standards of export figures. Among
them are many small and medium manufacturers with advanced
technologies, constant updates and support from outside Türkiye,
and a dynamic company structure. Many companies operating in the
Turkish market possesses international certifications, enhancing their
global market position.
The Turkish automotive supplier industry produces almost all types
of parts, components and spare parts such as engines and engine
parts, power train parts and components, brake and clutch parts and
components, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, suspension systems,
security systems, rubber and plastic parts, chassis, frames and parts,
casting and forging, electrical equipment and parts, lighting systems,
accumulator batteries, seats etc.
As noted several times in this column, we think that technology will
always be the key for the survival of the automotive industry. History
says so.
Our publications remain at the service of those businesses people
seeking to increase their share in the increasingly competitive foreign
markets.
We wish all business people success and lucrative business.
automotiveexports
automotive exports

24
Automotive industry focuses on
commercial vehicle production
38
Automotive exports given
impetus more than ever
46
GO Enerji to build battery plant in Ankara
56
Türkiye’s EV boom continues
as sales double in 11 months of 2025
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8
EU to allow ‘flexibility’ for
struggling auto sector
January 2026
The European Union’s industry commissioner pledged
to grant greater “flexibility” to the continent’s hardpressed
automakers, raising expectations that
the bloc may soften its planned 2035 phaseout of
combustion-engine car sales. Faced with complaints
from Europe’s top automakers that the ban will add
to their woes as the electric transition is moving more
slowly than expected, the EU agreed in September to
fast-track a review of the policy. The bloc is expected
to announced relief measures for the region’s auto
sector, also hit hard by high costs and fierce Chinese
competition, next month.
Speaking at an auto industry event in the German
city of Stuttgart, EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne
said “Europe is ready to activate all levers to make the
European automotive industry successful.”
“We want to support the direction that has been taken,
but adapt the path by allowing for flexibility,” he added,
speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He said there were a “number of technologies” that
could still be used in cars after 2035, and also that
steps should be taken to “reduce the administrative
burden and bureaucracy and make our industry more
competitive”.
Some carmakers and governments have called
for the EU to take a more pragmatic approach by
allowing continued use of some technologies, such as
plug-in hybrids and combustion engines that run on
sustainable fuels, after 2035. Germany’s auto titans
Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and their
many suppliers have seen profits and sales plummet
in recent years due to a troubled EV shift and rising
competition from new players, particularly in China.
Merz, who has repeatedly spoken out against the ban,
said that a “tremendous effort” was needed to face up
the challenge of the rapid changes in the auto industry.
Merz’s own coalition, consisting of his centre-right
CDU/CSU bloc and centre-left SPD party, had been
divided over what approach to take. But the chancellor
said the coalition was set to formally agree on the
matter, after which Berlin would communicate the
government’s “united position” to the EU.

10
Credit card-funded vehicle
purchases surge in Türkiye
January 2026
Against tight vehicle loan conditions and elevated
interest rates, consumers are increasingly turning to
credit cards to finance purchases — reshaping how
cars are sold at the retail level.
Dealers in Istanbul and beyond now commonly offer
credit card sales, with some providing up to 12-month
installment options to match demand.
Despite higher costs — roughly 33–35 percent annually
— buyers are opting for installment flexibility or onemonth
payment deferrals, significantly expanding the
role of cards in transactions.
Under current regulations, a buyer of a car worth 2
million Turkish Liras ($47,000) can secure at most
400,000 liras via a 12-month auto loan, while credit
card limits are determined by the customer’s available
ceiling. The Central Bank data show a sharp rise in
card spending tied to vehicles. In the week ending Nov.
28, expenditures in the “car rental, sales, service, spare
parts” category rose 4 percent from the prior week to
21.7 billion liras. indicating an annual increase of more
than 42 percent.
The trend reflects both stronger demand and a
practical pivot toward card-based financing amid
limited access to consumer auto loans.
Dealers report that higher credit card limits over the
past year have reinforced this shift.

The era of digital workers has begun
Robots are taking over the shop floor, AI Agents are moving into offices—and by
2035, companies are expected to employ as many digital workers as humans…
As robots reshape production lines and warehouses, AI
Agents are quietly assuming thousands of white-collar
roles across corporate offices. Commenting on this
transformation, Dr. Akın Arslan, Founder and Chairman
of AB Plus, said that global data clearly shows this
is no longer a projection but an accelerating and
irreversible economic shift.
“This transformation is unstoppable. For those who
are prepared, it will mark a historic leap forward;
for those who are not, it will result in a silent loss of
competitiveness. Organizations that fail to become
part of this change—regardless of their size—will
rapidly fall behind. As we approach the end of the 21st
century and move toward 2100, many people may
no longer need to work in traditional salaried jobs to
earn a living. The most defining skills and performance
indicators will increasingly be measured by the level
of contribution to the training of artificial general
intelligence,” Arslan said.
12
Beyond Robots: The New Workforce Model
Emerges
Highlighting that the era of silent, invisible factories
and digital workers has arrived, Dr. Arslan noted that
January 2026

The number of active robots is also rising rapidly:
2024: 11 million
2030: 45–50 million
2035 projection: 80–100 million robots and AI Agents
combined
This growth is seen as a necessary adaptation for
economies facing aging populations and shrinking
labor forces.
Which Roles Are Being Digitized?
A large share of white-collar and office-based roles
is rapidly shifting toward digital agents. Production,
operations, technology, and inovation functions
are also undergoing fast digitalization. Rather than
eliminating roles, this shift is dramatically increasing
output per employee.
14
January 2026
while headlines in recent years have focused on “robot
workers,” the real turning point will be AI Agents—the
unseen digital workforce operating behind the scenes.
What AI Agents Do Today
Today’s AI Agents:
Are directly integrated with ERP, CRM, WMS, TMS,
MES, accounting, and HR systems
Operate based on defined goals and are measured
through KPIs
Can collaborate with multiple agents simultaneously
Function 24/7 with near-zero marginal cost
“These capabilities show that this is no longer
automation,” Arslan emphasized. “It represents a
completely new workforce architecture.”
Clear Signals from the Data:
A Decade of Rapid Growth Ahead
According to global reports by McKinsey and Bain &
Company:
The global robotics market is expected to reach USD
350–400 billion by 2030
The combined robotics, AI, and software ecosystem is
projected to exceed a USD 2 trillion impact scale As of
2025, robot density per 10,000 employees stands at:
United States: 320
Germany: 415
South Korea: over 1,000
Changing Human–AI Ratios
The balance between humans and digital workers is
expected to evolve quickly:
2025: One human per role
2030: One human supported by one robot and 5–10 AI
Agents
2035: One human supported by one robot and up to 20
AI Agents in certain functions
As managerial layers shrink, decision-making quality,
accuracy, and speed are expected to improve.
Why Artificial General Intelligence Will Be a Game
Changer
As AI systems move closer to Artificial General
Intelligence (AGI), AI Agents will:
Gain deeper contextual understanding
Make cross-disciplinary decisions
Generate alternative strategies rather than simply
offering recommendations
This shift is set to fundamentally reshape traditional
middle-management structures.
Hybrid Organizations: The New Competitive
Frontier
According to Arslan, the companies that succeed will
be those that manage robots and AI Agents not as
separate entities, but within a single execution and
decision-making framework.
Key questions for organizations will include:
Which decisions remain with humans, and which
are delegated to AI?
Where are escalation boundaries defined?
How is the performance of digital workers measured?

20
Delphi achieves leading
coverage across all five major
front-end system categories!
Delphi, which delivers benchmark products to the automotive industry through its high-technology solutions,
has reached a leading position across all five main front-end categories in the European Independent
Aftermarket (IAM). This expansion in coverage includes the control arm, tie rod end, tie rod, ball joint,
and stabilizer link (Z link) product groups. Delphi continues to strengthen its growth momentum through
expanding support for Chinese vehicle manufacturers and ongoing front-end product development efforts…
January 2026
Front-end products, which are critical for vehicle
safety, stand out as fundamental systems that connect
the driver to the road. In a market where using the
right parts plays a key role in supporting customers
and delivering a safe and enjoyable driving experience,
Delphi continues to be a reliable business partner that
workshops can trust, offering the necessary parts for
nearly every vehicle.
Leader in core product categories!
Delphi, a brand of PHINIA Inc., has achieved the
highest coverage rate across all front-end product
groups in the European aftermarket. Each category
covers more than 80% of the European vehicle
parc, while the majority of categories offer coverage
exceeding 95%. Delphi’s coverage rates across the
five main categories (based on TecAlliance data as of

November 2025) are as follows:
Control Arm: 95.8%
Ball Joint: 83.6%
Stabilizer Link (Z Link): 95.1%
Tie Rod End: 98.1%
Tie Rod: 94.8%
This achievement is the result of long-term catalog
development efforts and close coordination with
service repair needs across Europe. While other brands
remain active in these segments, Delphi stands out by
surpassing all competitors and expanding its front-end
product range by more than 30% compared to 2023.
Achieving this growth in just two years points to an
impressive expansion trajectory.
Vehicle parc coverage reflecting a changing market
The number of vehicles from Chinese manufacturers is
steadily increasing in the market. To support this shift,
Delphi has introduced 65 front-end products for the
following models:
BYD Dolphin, ATTO 2, and ATTO 3
MG (SAIC) GS, HS, ZS, MG 4, and MG 5
Chery / OMODA TIGGO7 and OMODA 5
The company also announced that it is currently
developing 450 additional front-end parts for other
Chinese models. As these vehicles become more
prevalent on European roads, this will enable the
product range to achieve even broader coverage.
A product range that expands workshop repair
capacity
In recent years, Delphi has significantly expanded its
front-end product portfolio through innovative additions
and selected “first-to-market” product launches.
Today, the company’s front-end range consists of more
than 8,500 part numbers, supporting all core repair
categories and enabling technicians to easily access
the parts they need to keep customers satisfied.
Delphi’s extensive vehicle parc coverage provides
significant advantages for workshops and distributors
alike. It shortens part supply times, reduces delays in
repair processes, and enhances the overall customer
experience. For distributors, Delphi’s strong coverage
enables smoother supply planning with fewer gaps in
high-volume categories. Describing this milestone as
just the beginning, Delphi emphasizes its determination
to lead the industry with high-quality parts on its
journey toward achieving the widest vehicle parc
coverage in Europe.
22
January 2026

Automotive industry focuses on
commercial vehicle production
24
January 2026
Türkiye’s total vehicle production grew 4% in the first
10 months of the year, reaching 1.163 million units,
largely driven by a surge in commercial vehicles,
which rose by 17% year-over-year, the Automotive
Manufacturers Association (OSD) reported.
While commercial vehicle production increased,
passenger car output declined by 3% to 717,321 units.
Light commercial vehicle output rose 20% during
the same period, while heavy commercial vehicle
production fell 2%.The average capacity utilization
rate across the automotive sector stood at 66%. By
category, capacity use was 67% for light vehicles
(passenger cars and light commercial vehicles),
56% for trucks, 66% for buses and midibuses, and
38% for tractors. According to the figures, Türkiye’s
automotive exports reached 864,809 vehicles during
the same period, representing a 5% year-over-year
increase and generating $33.5 billion in revenue.
The sector maintained its leading position among all
export industries, accounting for a 17.5% share of
total exports. This overall growth was driven by strong
demand in the commercial vehicle segment, which
helped offset a decline in passenger car shipments.
Passenger car exports fell 9% year-over-year but rose
6% in value to $9.6 billion. Meanwhile, exports of
commercial vehicles increased by 29%, and tractor
exports dropped 21% to 9,340 units.
Exports from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
rose 14%, while supplier industry exports grew 6%.
The domestic automotive market reached 1.08 million
units in the first 10 months of the year, marking a 10%
increase compared to the same period in 2024. Within
this total, passenger car sales rose 11% to 833,382
units. Sales in the commercial vehicle market grew 5%,
driven by a 7% increase in light commercial vehicles.
However, sales of heavy commercial vehicles fell 6%
over the same period.
Locally manufactured models continued to hold a
limited share in the domestic market. In the January–
October period, 30% of passenger cars sold were
domestically produced. In the light commercial vehicle
segment, the domestic share stood at 21%.

Abu Dhabi holds Türkiye roadshow as
it eyes $54B infrastructure projects
26
January 2026
Abu Dhabi is seeking partners to carry out
infrastructure projects worth $54 billion over the next
five years and aims to double that amount by 2040, the
head of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center
(ADPIC) said on a tour of Istanbul.
Officials from ADPIC, which manages government
capital projects, met with Turkish contractors,
developers and construction companies during the
visit to Türkiye, which came after separate trips to
Singapore and China.
The group will decide on a short list of companies from
Türkiye, Singapore and
ADPIC, which also oversees project implementation
and delivery for the emirate, shares “a common vision
(in) infrastructure development” with Türkiye, Eid said.
“We are still in the discussion phase (and) there
are some short-listed companies,” he said, adding
announcements will be made after mutual agreements
are set.
China and Türkiye are first and second, respectively, in
a global ranking this year of top contractors, according
to ENR’s “Top 250 International Contractors” list.
Turkish contractors undertook over $31 billion worth
of new projects abroad in 2024, Turkish Contractors
Association data shows.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was their top market
with $6.1 billion in projects.
Kalyon, Doğus and Summa were among the top
Turkish contractors attending the ADPIC roadshow.
Eid said that as part of the group’s “mega portfolio” of
projects are bridges and tunnels, which are linked to
the UAE’s broader economic growth and diversification
plan. Much of the planned investments are in “social
infrastructure,” including national housing, accounting
for about 50% of the portfolio, as well as schools and
community facilities, he said.
“Our budget, until 2030, is $54 billion. This is for the
coming five years. And we are expecting this number
to double across the next years until 2040,” Eid said.
The projects, including public–private partnerships, will
be in Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain city and the Al-Dhafra region,
he said.
Financing can be funded through the Abu Dhabi
government directly and executed through foreign
consultants and contractors, based on outcomes of
the roadshow, Eid said.
It can also be funded through partnerships, investment
with either real estate developers or investors who are
ready to invest in infrastructure and enter a long-term
partnership, he added.

28
Gasoline and diesel car market
share continues to shrink
January 2026
In the first 11 months of the year, the share of gasolinepowered
cars in Turkish auto sales fell from 62 percent
to 47.2 percent, and diesel cars from 10.1 percent to
7.4 percent,
LPG-powered cars remained at a 0.8 percent market
share.
During the same period, fully electric cars’ share rose
from 9.2 percent from a year ago to 17.6 percent and
hybrids from 17.4 percent to 26.9 percent.
Fully electric, extended-range electric and hybrid cars
accounted for 44.7 percent of the total Turkish auto
market, with sales totaling 418,657 units.
Plug-in hybrids made up 4.6 percent of the market with
42,857 units sold in January–November, a surge of
658.9 percent compared to the same period last year.
EV sales, including extended-range models, surged
111.4 percent to 166,665 units in the first 11 months,
achieving a market share of 17.8 percent.
Türkiye’s EV brand Togg was the top seller in January–
November EV sales in the Turkish auto market, with
31,715 units sold, beating out both Tesla (29,955) and
BYD (17,639).
While Tesla continued its presence with Model Y, and
BYD brought a total of seven fully electric models into
the country, Togg topped EV sales with its T10X and
T10F models.
The EV brands in the top three — namely Togg, Tesla
and BYD — accounted for 47.5 percent of the electric
car market. Togg alone made up around 20 percent of
the EV market in the same period.

32
Türkiye auto output up over
10% driven by commercial vehicles
January 2026
Türkiye’s automotive main industry production rose
more than 10% in November, driven by a sharp
increase in commercial vehicle output that offset a
decline in passenger car production, industry data
showed.
Total production climbed 10.6% year-over-year to
131,606 vehicles in November, according to figures
released by the Automotive Manufacturers Association
(OSD). Capacity utilization for the month stood at
73.5%.
From January through November, vehicle production
increased 4.3% from a year earlier to around 1.3 million
units, while passenger car output fell 3.2% to 796,276
units. Including tractor production, total output reached
1.32 million units.
Commercial vehicle production rose strongly over the
11-month period, increasing 19% year-over-year, led
by a 21% rise in light commercial vehicles, while heavy
commercial vehicle output edged up 1%, OSD data
showed.
On a rolling 12-month basis, total vehicle production
rose 4.2% year-over-year to 1.42 million units,
again supported mainly by commercial vehicle
manufacturing, OSD said.
Average capacity utilization across the automotive

industry stood at 66% in the January-November
period, with utilization at 68% for light vehicles, 57%
for trucks, 67% for buses and minibuses and 37% for
tractors.
Automotive exports increased 5% in volume terms
over the first 11 months of the year to 960,989
vehicles. Passenger car exports fell 8% year-over-year,
while commercial vehicle exports surged 30%. Tractor
exports declined 16% to 10,377 units.
In value terms, total automotive industry exports
reached $37 billion in January-November, according
to data from Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters’
Association (UIB), maintaining the sector’s position as
Türkiye’s largest exporter with an 18% share, figures
from the Türkiye Exporters Assembly (TIM) showed.
Passenger car exports rose 6% in value terms to $10.6
billion, while main industry exports increased 15% and
supplier industry exports rose 6% on a dollar basis.
Exports in November climbed 14.9% year-over-year to
$3.7 billion, supported by strong shipments of light and
commercial vehicles, the OSD said.
Türkiye’s total vehicle market grew 10% year-over-year
in the first 11 months to 1.216 million units. Passenger
car sales rose 11% to 938,177 vehicles.
Total commercial vehicle sales increased 5%, driven
by a 7% rise in light commercial vehicles, while heavy
commercial vehicle sales fell 4% over the same period.
The domestic share of locally produced vehicles
stood at 30% in passenger car sales and 21% in the
light commercial vehicle market during the January-
November period, OSD said.
Domestic market sales, including heavy commercial
vehicles, increased 9.8% to 137,347 units. Heavy
commercial vehicle sales alone rose 8.9% to 4,363
units.
January 2026
33

34
Number of EVs on Turkish
roads nears 350,000
January 2026
Türkiye had a total of 348,908 registered electric
vehicles (EVs) as of the end of November, according to
data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK)
on Dec. 17, underscoring the rapidly growing interest
in EVs among consumers.
The country had only 24 registered EVs in 2011, but
the number surged over the following decade —
reaching around 3,000 in 2020 and surpassing 80,000
in 2023. Last year, the figure climbed to approximately
184,000.
The number of hybrid vehicles on the country’s roads
reached 652,752.
TÜİK reported that road motor vehicle registrations
increased by 2.6 percent month-on-month in
November but fell by 3.1 percent compared to the
same month last year, totaling 183,172. Passenger cars
made up 52.4 percent of new registrations, followed
by motorcycles at 29.9 percent, small trucks at 12.8
percent and trucks at 1.6 percent.
The total number of registered road motor vehicles in
Türkiye reached 33.4 million by the end of November.
Among newly registered passenger cars in November,
Renault held the largest share at 12 percent.
It was followed by Volkswagen (9.3 percent), Toyota
(8.6 percent), Hyundai (5.7 percent), Fiat (5.6 percent),
Skoda (5.6 percent), BYD (4.9 percent), Peugeot (4.7
percent) and Türkiye’s domestic EV brand Togg (4.5
percent).
In the January-November period, the number of
registered vehicles decreased by 10.1 percent
compared to the same period of 2024 to 2.12 million.
Among the 973,254 newly registered passenger cars in
the January-November period, the share of gasolinefuelled
cars was 46.2 percent, followed by hybrid cars
with 26.9 percent, EVs with 17 percent and dieselfuelled
cars with 8.8 percent, TÜİK said.

36
Locally produced SWM G01 Pro to
arrive in showrooms in January 2026
January 2026
International automotive sales and distribution
company ATMO Group has started production
in Türkiye through its joint venture Urzat. The
locally produced SWM G01 Pro is set to take
its place in showrooms as of January 2026,
positioned as a smart and rational choice in
the SUV segment. Manufactured in Eskişehir,
the SWM G01 Pro SUVs will be offered for sale
with a special launch price starting from TRY
1,899,000. Emphasizing that starting production
in Türkiye is more than just a commercial
step for the company, ATMO Group CEO
Anton Chernov stated: “As ATMO, our goal is
to contribute to Türkiye becoming not only a
market, but also a production hub that creates
value on a regional scale.”
ATMO Group entered the Turkish market at the end of
2023 through its partnership with Chinese automotive
manufacturer SWM Motors, thereby joining the ranks
of local manufacturers in Türkiye. Operating under
Shineray Group, one of China’s leading automotive
manufacturers, SWM Motors has achieved significant
success in the Turkish market in a short period of time
together with ATMO Group. Following test production
carried out at the Eskişehir Organized Industrial Zone

(OIZ) through the joint venture Urzat Otomotiv AŞ,
serial production of the G01 Pro model began as of
December.
Positioned as one of the most sensible choices in
its segment thanks to its well-balanced equipment
package, the SWM G01 Pro will be available in
showrooms as of January 2026, with a special launch
price starting from TRY 1,899,000.
“We started production in just two years”
Recalling that ATMO Group entered the Turkish market
with SWM Motors in December 2023, CEO Anton
Chernov underlined the significance of reaching the
production stage in such a short time.
“It has been only two years since we entered the
Turkish market, and reaching the point where locally
produced SWM G01 Pro models are rolling off the
production line and heading to dealerships represents
a highly meaningful milestone for us,” Chernov said.
He continued: “Following the strategic cooperation
decision with Urzema Holding and the establishment
of the URZAT joint venture manufacturing company, we
moved into serial production approximately 1.5 years
after the investment decision. As ATMO, we approach
the Turkish market with a planned, stable and longterm
perspective, and we see production as a natural
extension of this approach.”
Developed specifically for the Turkish market
Emphasizing that the SWM G01 Pro has been
specifically produced and positioned for the Turkish
market, Chernov stated: “We developed the SWM
G01 Pro by taking into account the real expectations
of users in Türkiye and our dealer network. From
the equipment structure to driving characteristics,
we focused on the needs and usage habits of the
Turkish market. The locally produced G01 Pro entering
showrooms is a concrete result of this approach.”
Commenting on the model’s positioning, Chernov
added: “We position the SWM G01 Pro as a
rational and well-balanced SUV that meets the real
expectations of users in Türkiye. With its special launch
price of TRY 1,899,000, the G01 Pro stands out as an
accessible, trustworthy and Türkiye-produced model
for local consumers. We believe it offers a sensible and
balanced alternative within its segment.”
Noting that the production approach for the Turkish
market was shaped in line with local dynamics while
preserving the model’s global structure, Chernov said:
“The SWM G01 Pro is a globally developed model.
During the production process in Türkiye, we worked
closely with the manufacturer on many aspects,
especially equipment levels and price balance. Our
aim was to ensure accessibility for the Turkish market
while positioning the model’s technical and equipment
integrity at the most optimal level.”
Chernov also highlighted the advantages of local
production, stating: “With local production, we are able
to manage production and quality control processes
directly on site. This approach ensures consistent
application of product standards and that every vehicle
delivered to customers reflects the same quality
philosophy.”
Powerful engine, balanced equipment approach
The new SWM G01 Pro, whose production has started
in Eskişehir, will be offered to Turkish consumers as a
locally produced SUV as of January 2026. Standing
out with its smart-choice philosophy, the G01 Pro
combines design, technology and balanced equipment
within its segment. Key features include keyless entry
and push-button door system, electric tailgate, Full
LED headlamps and sporty exterior design details.
With a length of 4,670 mm, a width of 1,855 mm and
a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the G01 Pro offers a spacious
interior, providing a comfortable living space for both
drivers and passengers. Inside, premium leather seats
available in black and beige, a panoramic sunroof,
64-color ambient lighting and wireless charging elevate
comfort expectations. On the technology side, an
8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch
multimedia screen offer a clean and user-friendly
interface, while the 360-degree HD camera system
makes parking and maneuvering easier. The new SWM
G01 Pro is powered by a 1.5 TGDI ‘Blue Core’ gasoline
engine developed by CHANGAN. Proven globally with
recognition in the Guinness World Records, this engine
delivers 178 HP and 300 Nm of torque, combining
performance and efficiency, and is paired with a
7-speed dual-clutch DCT transmission.
The locally produced SWM G01 Pro will be offered in
Türkiye with a 5-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty
and will be available at dealerships nationwide as of
January 2026.
January 2026
37

38
January 2026
Türkiye’s automotive sector, long the backbone of
the nation’s export economy, delivered a sharp rise in
overseas sales, underscoring its resilience in global
markets.
November exports reached $3.75 billion, marking a
16 percent increase compared with the same period
in 2023, figures from the Uludağ Automotive Industry
Exporters’ Association (OİB) show.
Cumulative exports between January and November
climbed to $37.77 billion, up 12 percent year-onyear,
securing the industry’s position as Türkiye’s top
export contributor with a 16.5 percent share of total
shipments.
Performance varied across product categories. The
supply industry registered $1.31 billion in exports,
slipping 1 percent, while passenger car sales abroad
rose 8 percent to $1.23 billion.
Strong gains were recorded in commercial vehicles:
Exports of bus and minibus shipments advanced 45
percent to $342 million and tractor-trailer exports more
than doubled, surging 101 percent to $182 million.
Germany remained Türkiye’s largest automotive
market, with exports climbing 45 percent to $571
million. France followed at $512 million, up 30 percent,
while the United Kingdom posted a 45 percent
increase to $427 million.

40
Togg continues to dominate
Turkish electric vehicle market
January 2026
Türkiye’s electric vehicle (EV) brand Togg dominated
the Turkish EV market in November with its T10X and
T10F models combined.
Togg’s T10F and T10X were the best-selling EVs in
November — the T10F ranked 10th among the bestselling
cars in the Turkish car market in the same
month.
Last month, the T10F sold 2,366 units and the T10X
sold 1,896, bringing the total to 4,235. The Tesla Model
Y led in EV sales with 2,535 units sold, followed by KG
Mobility with 1,209, Opel with 771 and Volvo with 738.
While Tesla did not make the Model Y available for
purchase in October, the EV returned to the market in
November with a renewed order base. And at the same
time, the Togg T10F sold 1,194 units in September
since the start of its preorder, 2,532 in October and
2,366 in November.
Togg began selling in Germany in September of this
year, establishing the company’s first European market
expansion.
The EV maker entered the German market with both
its T10X and T10F models, making its first deliveries in
Stuttgart, the heart of the German auto industry.
Among the top 10 cars sold in the Turkish market last
month, the Renault Clio sold 4,468 units, followed by
the Renault Megane Sedan with 4,110 and the BYD
Seal U with 3,562 units. The Togg T10X ranked 15th,
the data showed.
In November, car sales in particular surged 10.78
percent to 104,795, while car sales in Türkiye rose
10.96% year-on-year in January–November, totaling
938,177 units.
In November, car sales surged 10.78 percent to
104,795 units, while in the January–November period,
sales rose 10.96 percent year-on-year, reaching
938,177 units.
Electric vehicle (EV) sales showed even stronger
momentum. Last month, EV sales jumped 35.5 percent
from a year earlier to 18,361 units. Over the first 11
months of the year, 166,665 EVs were sold, marking a
100 percent increase compared with the same period
in 2023.

44
Consumers cash out gold,
cryptocurrencies to buy cars
January 2026
Türkiye’s automotive market broke another record in
November, with sales surging as consumers shifted
away from gold and cryptocurrencies and took
advantage of easing credit conditions.
According to data from the Automotive Distributors
and Mobility Association (ODMD), total sales of
passenger cars and light commercial vehicles reached
132,984 units in November, up 9.82 percent compared
to the same month in 2024. Passenger car sales rose
10.78 percent to 104,795 units, while light commercial
vehicle sales increased 6.38 percent to 28,189 units.
Industry observers noted that beyond company
promotions, a wave of investors liquidating gold
holdings and exiting crypto markets contributed to
the surge. “Those who sold gold after sudden price
swings, and those leaving crypto due to declines,
turned to automobiles,” sector representatives said.
Lower interest rates also provided some relief in
financing, further fueling demand.
From January to November, total sales climbed 10.16
percent year-on-year to 1.18 million vehicles. With
December traditionally the strongest month for auto
sales, analysts expect between 200,000 and 250,000
units to be sold, pushing full-year sales to around a
record 1.4 million units.

46
LG Energy Solution, GO Enerji to
build battery plant in Ankara
January 2026
South Korea’s LG Energy Solution and Türkiye’s
GO Enerji have agreed to establish a battery pack
production facility in the Turkish capital Ankara.
The plant, designed to supply electric vehicles and
large-scale energy storage systems, will be launched
with an initial investment of 45 million euros. Over the
long term, the total investment value is expected to
exceed 1 billion euros.
According to the agreement, the factory will begin
operations in the second quarter of 2026 with an initial
capacity of 2.5 gigawatt-hours. Within two years,
production capacity is planned to expand to 7.5
gigawatt-hours.
GO Enerji Chairman Gökhan Yıldız emphasized that the
plant will produce under the “Made in Türkiye” label.
“By supplying battery packs to the domestic market,
we aim to reduce external dependence in this field. At
the same time, by serving LG Energy Solution’s global
customers, we will contribute to positioning Türkiye
as an international hub for energy technologies,” he
stated.
Yıldız said the investment will not only establish
the factory but also include the research and
development center.
“This facility will strengthen Türkiye’s capacity for
advanced technology development and help train
qualified professionals for the sector,” he said, noting
that export markets will primarily include Europe,
Africa and the Middle East. LG Energy Solution had
previously signed a non-binding memorandum of
understanding with Ford Otosan in 2023 to build a
plant in Ankara, which was intended to become one
of Europe’s largest battery cell production bases.
However, that project was later shelved.

48
Türkiye invites Germany
to invest in auto industry
January 2026
Türkiye is a reliable, competitive and
long-term partner Germany needs in the
automotive sector, with its predictable
investment environment, strong industrial
infrastructure and qualified human
resources, a top official said.
“We invite German companies to join us
in exploring Türkiye’s strong investment
landscape and become a centerpiece of
emerging mobility opportunities,” Industry
and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih
Kacır said during the German-Turkish
Automobile Summit in Berlin.
Kacır stated that while the world’s
multilateral cooperation is facing significant
challenges, the value of dependable, deeprooted,
and strategic bilateral partnerships
is becoming increasingly apparent.
“The strong and historic partnership

between Türkiye and Germany offers us an
encouraging foundation and a unique opportunity
to transform this global transformation into shared
success,” he noted.
Kacır emphasized that investment and trade constitute
a pillar of the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship
between the two countries.
He noted that more than 8,000 German-owned
companies operate in Türkiye, adding: “They have
brought profit to Türkiye through their production,
employment and exports, and they have also gained in
Türkiye.”
He explained that Turkish companies have similarly
contributed to both the German economy and the spirit
of partnership between the two countries by making
significant investments in Germany.
Kacır stated that they are particularly pleased that
the more than 80,000 Turkish-founded companies
in Germany, with an annual turnover of more than
$50 billion, have contributed significantly to the
German economy’s dynamism, innovative power, and
competitiveness.
Kacır emphasized that Türkiye, thanks to both its
advanced research and development (R&D) and
innovation ecosystem and its strong and wellestablished
production infrastructure, is poised to play
a leading role in transforming the automotive sector
into a new mobility-focused ecosystem.
“Indeed, our electric and smart car, Togg, which we
launched with the determination, will, and leadership
of our president, is a critical step in seizing the
opportunities in new mobility technologies,” he said.
Emphasizing that they “never” see Togg as a brand
that will solely meet domestic demand, he said they
are positioning it as a “mobility brand” that will be
preferred even in Europe’s most developed markets
and will make a name for itself with its technology and
quality.
Kacır explained that falling battery costs, the European
Green Deal, and countries taking steps toward national
carbon neutrality targets are contributing to the
widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Noting that while internal combustion vehicles typically
have up to 30,000 parts, the total number of parts
in electric vehicles has fallen to between 10,000
and 15,000, Kacır said: “The automotive market is
transforming from a traditional vehicle sales market into
a completely different competitive arena, where energy,
software, data and mobility services are intertwined.
“The European automotive market is undoubtedly
one of the markets where the effects of this major
transformation are most clearly felt.”
49
January 2026

Türkiye’s automotive exports hit
new record, surpass 2024 levels
50
January 2026
Türkiye’s automotive sector reached an all-time high in
exports by surpassing last year’s record performance
within the first 11 months of this year, according to a
report.
The country’s automotive exports rose by 12.3% yearover-year
to $37.76 billion in the January-November
period, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency
(AA) from the Uludağ Automotive Industry Exporters’
Association (OIB).
Accordingly, the sector, which set a record last year
with exports of $37.2 billion, exceeded that figure in
the first 11 months of this year, marking its highest
export level in history.
Maintaining its position as Türkiye’s top exporting
industry, the automotive sector is on track to become
the country’s export leader for the 19th time in the past
20 years, excluding 2022.
During the January-November period, the sector
exported to more than 200 countries, autonomous
regions and free zones, accounting for 15.3% of
Türkiye’s total exports, the data revealed.
Exports from the supply industry, the backbone of
the automotive sector, rose 5.1% year-over-year
in the January-November period, increasing from
approximately $13.74 billion to $14.44 billion. Having
set an export record of $14.87 billion last year, the
supply industry is expected to surpass this figure with
December exports.
Passenger car exports, another key sub-sector,
increased 5.7% over the
11 months compared
with the same period in
2024, rising from $11.05
billion to $11.69 billion.
The passenger car
sector, which recorded
its highest export value
of $12.38 billion in 2018,
is expected to break
this record if December
exports exceed $691
million.
At the same time, exports
of motor vehicles for
transporting goods
surged 30% year-on-year
over 11 months, rising
from $4.97 billion to $6.49 billion. The sector, which
includes light commercial vehicles, pickup trucks, and
trucks, surpassed its previous record of $5.57 billion
set in October last year and continues to set new
highs.
Exports of buses, minibuses and midibuses similarly
rose by nearly 30% in the January-November period
compared with the same period last year, increasing
from around $2.31 billion to $2.98 billion. Sector
representatives noted that exports in the first 10
months of this year have already surpassed the fullyear
record of $2.56 billion set in 2024.
In the “other” category, which includes tow trucks,
special-purpose vehicles and rail vehicles, exports
totaled $2.15 billion in 11 months.
Germany remained the top export destination in the
January-November period. Automotive exports to
Germany jumped by 39% year-over-year, increasing
from $4.42 billion in the first 11 months of last year to
$6.14 billion this year.
Exports to France, the second-largest market,
increased 15% over 11 months, rising from $3.82
billion to nearly $4.4 billion.
Shipments to the U.K. edged up 2% in the January-
November period, rising from $3.77 billion to $3.85
billion.
During the same period, Spain ranked fourth with
$3.16 billion in automotive exports, while Italy ranked
fifth with $3.02 billion.

VW to end production at plant in Germany for 1st time in 88 years
54
January 2026
German embattled automotive giant Volkswagen is
expected to stop manufacturing vehicles at its site in
Dresden, marking the first time in the carmaker’s 88-
year history that it will close production in Germany,
according to the Financial Times (FT).
The closure of the plant’s production line comes as
Europe’s largest auto manufacturer is under cash flow
pressure as a result of weak China sales and demand
in Europe, as well as U.S. tariffs weighing on sales
in America, the report said. German media reports in
November indicated that the production in Dresden
was marginal, describing “the end” for the factory.
Late last year, the company announced it would cut
35,000 jobs in Germany by 2030 while also reducing
production capacity.
Volkswagen has been hit hard by rising costs at
home, a stuttering switch to electric cars and growing
competition in the key market of China from domestic
rivals, particularly in the EV segment.
The automaker’s CFO, Arno Antlitz, suggested in
October that its net cash flow for 2025, which had
previously been forecast to be close to zero, could be
slightly positive, the FT said.
However, it cited that the carmaker would continue to
see further pressure.
“There’s certainly pressure on the cash flow in 2026,” it
quoted Bernstein analyst Stephen Reitman as saying.
He noted that the auto group was looking for ways to
reduce spending and boost operating profits.
Volkswagen was facing “widespread” challenges, with
the expected longer lifetime for fossil fuel-burning
engines requiring new investment, Reitman said.
“You have to look at new generations of gasoline
technologies,” he added. Dresden has produced fewer
than 200,000 vehicles since production started in 2002,
or less than half the annual output of VW’s central
factory in Wolfsburg, according to FT. The move brings
Volkswagen a small step forward in its plans to reduce
capacity in Germany, it added, citing that changes are
part of a deal agreed with unions last year that will lead
to 35,000 job cuts at the VW brand in Germany.
VW brand chief Thomas Schäfer said this month the
decision to close production had not been taken
“lightly,” but that “from an economic perspective it
was essential.” The plant was intended as a showcase
for Volkswagen’s engineering prowess and was
first tasked with the assembly of the high-end VW
Phaeton. After the Phaeton was discontinued in 2016,
the Dresden site became a symbol of Volkswagen’s
electrification efforts, most recently producing the
battery-powered ID.3. The site will be rented out to the
Technical University of Dresden to establish a research
campus for the development of artificial intelligence,
robotics and chips, the FT report said.

Türkiye’s EV boom continues as
sales double in 11 months of 2025
56
January 2026
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in Türkiye have doubled
from January through November compared to the
same period last year, surpassing 166,000 units,
demonstrating that the adoption of cleaner energy
vehicles and the boom seen in recent years continues
unabated. EV sales in the January-November period
totaled 166,665 units, rising from 83,298 last year,
according to data from the Automotive Distributors’
and Mobility Association (ODMD), released.
The data, at the same time, showed that overall auto
sales also remained robust in November, marking a
new monthly high. Sales of passenger cars and light
commercial vehicles jumped 9.82% year-over-year in
November to 132,984 units, ODMD said.
Looking at car data only, some 442,650 gasoline cars,
251,992 hybrid cars, 69,741 diesel cars, and 7,399
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cars were sold across
the country in January-November.
Some 164,665 fully electric cars were sold over the
same period, and when including extended range EVs,
the total tally reached 166,665 units, making up 17.8%
of the Turkish auto market.
Meanwhile, gasoline and diesel car sales continued
to decline. Gasoline car sales fell 15.5% in the first
11 months of the year, while diesel car sales declined
18.8%, the data showed. At the same time, LPG car
sales climbed 33.9%, hybrid cars rose 71.3%, and fully
electric cars surged 111.4%. As global manufacturers
discontinue diesel car production, no new diesel cars
are being offered to the market, hence their sales are in
decline.
Gasoline car sales accounted for 47.2% of the Turkish
car market in January-November, falling from a 62%
market share over the same period last year, while
diesel cars’ market share fell from 10.1% to 7.4%, and
LPG cars made up 0.8% of the market.
Fully electric car’ market share climbed from 9.2%
to 17.6%, and hybrids 17.4% to 26.9% over the
same period, while all EVs – including fully electric,
extended-range, and hybrid – accounted for 44.7% of
the market with 418,657 units. Thus, four out of every
10 cars sold in January-November in Türkiye were
either electric or hybrid.
Plug-in hybrid sales reached 42,857 units over the
same period, making up 4.6% of the market, and
marking a 658.9% surge versus the same period last
year.In November, some 17,892 fully electric cars were
sold, accounting for 17.1% of the Turkish auto market,
while some 32,263 hybrid cars were purchased by
customers, marking a 30.8% market share.

58
Tesla struggles to recoup as sales
fall, European business suffers
January 2026
After pursuing a leadership role in the so-called
Department of Government Efficiency, Tesla CEO
Elon Musk has spent much of the year focused
on the carmaker’s robotics pursuits and winning
shareholder approval for his $1 trillion pay package. In
the meantime, the outlook for Tesla’s main business –
selling cars – continued to darken.
Tesla faces sales pressure in the world’s three biggest
car markets: Europe, China and the U.S. The electricvehicle
maker’s sales fell 48.5% across Europe in
October versus the same month last year, according
to data released by the European Automobile
Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
For the year, its sales are down about 30% in the
region, while industrywide EV sales jumped 26%.
Tesla’s global vehicle deliveries are expected to decline
7% this year, according to Visible Alpha, after a 1%
drop in 2024.
That is despite record third quarter deliveries, which
were juiced by American car buyers racing to beat
the Sept. 30 expiration of an EV tax credit. The weak
European results suggest there will be no quick
rebound from the sales turmoil that began late last
year, after Musk publicly praised far-right figures,
setting off protests across the region.
Musk has gone relatively quiet on politics in recent
months - but Tesla’s European business has not
recovered, signaling more fundamental problems.
As recently as 2023, Tesla’s Model Y SUV was the
world’s top-selling car, gas or electric. But Tesla has
slid down the sales charts, as rivals have introduced a
broad array of improved EVs – often at lower prices –
while Tesla’s narrow lineup of models has grown stale,
analysts say.
Tesla did not respond to requests for comment.
Late last year, Musk told shareholders he expected
vehicle sales to grow 20-30% in 2025. In January, the
company said it expected a return to growth, without

60
offering an estimate, before pulling that guidance
in the following quarter. In October, Tesla said any
growth would depend on macroeconomic factors and
how quickly it could add autonomy to its cars and
ramp up factory production.
Tesla’s troubles are most acute in Europe, where more
than a dozen electric models sell for under $30,000,
with more on the way. A wave of Chinese brands
is entering Europe with head-turning designs and
broader choice, from EVs to petrol cars and hybrids.
Analysts interviewed by Reuters do not see a quick
fix for Tesla in Europe, where it offers just two massmarket
models: the Model 3 sedan and Model Y.
Tesla recently introduced a stripped-down, lowerpriced
version of the Model Y to boost sales.
Meanwhile, EV models from other manufacturers are
proliferating. In the United Kingdom, more than 150
electric models are on offer from an array of brands,
including many new Chinese competitors. At least 50
new electric models are due out next year, according
to EV-buying advice site Electrifying.com.
“Out of those 50, none are Teslas,” said Electrifying.
com CEO Ginny Buckley.
Across Europe, China’s BYD sold 17,470 cars in
October, more than double Tesla’s sales. Meanwhile,
in a stark sign of Tesla’s fading dominance in
Europe’s EV market, Germany’s Volkswagen posted
an EV sales rise of 78.2% through September this
year to 522,600 units, triple Tesla’s sales.
VW’s EV efforts sputtered for years despite a
wholehearted embrace of the technology following
its 2017 diesel emissions cheating scandal. It once
lagged Tesla so badly that VW’s former CEO openly
fretted about the risk posed by Musk’s company.
“The problem for Elon Musk is not just his own
cars and the Chinese carmakers,” said Ferdinand
Dudenhoeffer, head of the CAR think tank at the
University of Duisburg-Essen. “The problem for Elon
Musk is also that the Europeans have caught up.”
In China, Tesla’s sales and market share are also
declining, although not as steeply as in Europe.
Tesla deliveries in China fell to a three-year low in
October, dropping 35.8%. For the year, Tesla’s sales
in China were down 8.4% through October. Tesla
faces a slew of rejuvenated Chinese brands, such as
Chery, along with newcomers including Xiaomi, whose
YU7 has quickly emerged as a Model Y rival since its
launch in June. In the U.S., Tesla sales surged 18% in
September, research firm Motor Intelligence estimated,
boosted by a last-minute rush from car shoppers
trying to beat the Sept. 30 expiration of a $7,500 tax
credit. That trend reversed in October, with a 24%
drop. Auto executives expect the EV market to remain
cold.
Tesla could benefit as several legacy automakers dial
back EV models and factory investments, including
General Motors, Ford and Honda. Also, the recent
launch of new, cheaper variants of the Model Y and
Model 3, priced around $5,000 lower, could help
bolster its market share, analysts have said.
Some analysts have said Tesla needs a new vehicle to
revive sales. But there is little evidence of a new model
for human drivers in the pipeline, as Musk pivots his
focus to self-driving robotaxis and humanoid robots.
Musk’s new pay package, however, does not require
a big surge in sales growth. The CEO can unlock a
multibillion-dollar award if Tesla averages 1.2 million
vehicles annually over the next decade, along with
share appreciation. That is about a half-million fewer
than the company sold in 2024.
January 2026

OSS Association:
We cannot manage
the new era with
old habits!
The Automotive Aftermarket Products and Services Association (OSS) held its final meeting of 2025 with
the participation of its members and sector representatives. During the meeting, OSS President
Ali Özçete shared important insights on both the past and future of the sector, offering evaluations on
the new era the industry is experiencing and the years ahead….
64
January 2026
The year-end member meeting of the Automotive
Aftermarket Products and Services Association
(OSS) took place with broad participation, bringing
together not only OSS members but also key sector
stakeholders. The event opened with a speech by OSS
Secretary General Emirhan Silahtaroğlu, followed by an
address from OSS President Ali Özçete, who reviewed
developments in 2025 and shared his expectations for
2026.
“We must leave 2023 behind”
Emphasizing that the meeting aimed to take an honest
snapshot of the sector, Ali Özçete stated:
“We are here to put forward a rational roadmap. The
year 2023 was extraordinary for our sector. With the
exit from the pandemic, pent-up demand was rapidly
activated; maintenance was carried out, vehicles
were renewed, and a business volume far above
normal levels emerged. However, the real mistake was
accepting 2023 as the norm.”
Noting that 2024 and 2025 were not bad years but that
new norms have now taken hold, Özçete continued:
“Whether we like it or not, what we are experiencing
today is the new normal. We are facing higher labor
costs, tougher competition, lower margins, and a more
selective customer profile. We cannot manage this new
era with old habits. This is not a failure; it is clearly a
climate change.”
“The contraction in Europe has redirected targets
toward Türkiye”
Pointing out that the contraction in European markets
has affected global balances, Özçete said:
“The slowdown in European markets has led global
targets to shift toward relatively more dynamic markets
such as Türkiye. This has resulted in higher growth
expectations for sector stakeholders operating in
Türkiye.”
Describing 2025 as a challenging year for the sector,
Özçete added: “If 2025 was a year in which wounds
were opened, then 2026 must be the year we heal
them. And we can only achieve this through reason,
balance, and realistic expectations.”
“Labor costs have crossed a critical threshold”
Drawing attention to a significant structural change in
the sector, Özçete underlined that labor costs in many
repairs have now surpassed parts costs: “This situation

carries the risk of increasing the ‘Do It Yourself’ trend.
From the perspectives of safety, informality, and sector
perception, this threshold must be addressed with
seriousness.”
“No skilled technicians, no sector”
Highlighting the serious shortage of qualified
technicians and challenges faced by independent
service centers, Ali Özçete said: “Authorized services
are perceived as expensive, while independent
services struggle to establish sufficient trust in the eyes
of consumers. Despite high salaries, young people are
not choosing this profession. This is not merely a wage
issue; it is a matter of reputation and future perception.
If there are no skilled technicians, there is no sector.
This is exactly where we need to look in the mirror.”
Noting that manufacturers and distributors often focus
solely on selling products, Özçete added: “While trying
to manage targets at the top, we leave the future
of technicians, service centers, and young people
unattended at the bottom. This is precisely where
OSS’s reason for existence begins: to position this
sector correctly for the future.”
“The real work starts now”
Recalling that new vehicle sales in Türkiye have
reached record levels over the past three to four years,
Özçete stated: “A large portion of the approximately
1.2 million vehicles sold in 2024 will go out of warranty
in 2026. This means maintenance, repair, service, and
spare parts. In other words, the work of this sector is
not ending—on the contrary, it is just beginning. We are
leaving 2023 behind, reading 2024–2025 correctly, and
building 2026 with reason, balance, and collaboration.”
“We have a strong and institutional cooperation
with FIGIEFA”
In his speech, Özçete also referred to OSS’s
cooperation with the International Federation of
Automotive Aftermarket Distributors (FIGIEFA): “As
OSS Association, we maintain a strong and institutional
partnership with FIGIEFA, where we are represented
on the Board and which brings together 19 national
associations from 18 countries, along with five
purchasing groups. Addressing critical issues such
as ‘Made in EU,’ which directly affect our sector and
Türkiye’s spare parts exports, at the European level—
and ensuring that Türkiye’s position is accurately
communicated and made visible—represents an
important and concrete opportunity through FIGIEFA
in engagements with European institutions and the
European Parliament.”
65
January 2026

66
Türkiye’s e-commerce spending
per capita hits over $276
January 2026
Türkiye’s e-commerce spending per capita reached
$276,7 (TL 11,717) as of November, close to the
worldwide average of $301, according to the Trade
Ministry.
The Trade Ministry released a guide for e-export
markets and customs practices in 25 countries,
providing Turkish exporters with road maps for
potential markets.
The guide provides essential information about the
25 countries’ e-commerce regulations, marketplaces,
express delivery companies, payment service providers
and customs clearance procedures.
These 25 countries are listed as Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan,
Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, the
Philippines, the U.K., the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
the U.S. and Vietnam.
The ratio of e-commerce shoppers to the world
population stands at 40.5% as of November, while
e-commerce products make up 17.9% of total retail
sales, according to the report.
Türkiye’s ratio of online shoppers to population
was 29.3%, while e-commerce made up 7% of the
country’s total retail sales.
The U.S. boasted the highest ratio of online shoppers
to population at 84.5%, followed by the U.K. with
81.5% and China with 78.8%.
China had the highest share of e-commerce in total
retail sales, reaching 27.8%, followed by the U.S.
and the U.K. at 26.7% each, while the lowest rates
were seen in Nigeria and Egypt with 1.6% and 2.9%,
respectively. The U.S.’ e-commerce spending per
capita totaled $992.5, followed by Canada with $513.7,
South Korea with $479.4 and Japan with $477.5.
Meanwhile, India had the lowest per capita
e-commerce spending with $31.7 and Nigeria’s rate
reached $48.5.

70
China leverages EV expertise to
accelerate flying car ambitions
January 2026
Aworker in white gloves checks out the propellers of
a boxy two-seater aircraft just off the assembly line
at a Chinese factory trialling the mass production of
flying cars, a futuristic type of transport slowly gaining
recognition.
Globally, technical and regulatory challenges have
prevented the much-hyped flying car sector from
getting off the ground.
But Chinese companies are building on the rapid
development of drones and electric vehicles in the
world’s second-largest economy, while harnessing
government support for the futuristic inventions.
“China has the potential to establish a competitive
edge” for flying cars, said Zhang Yangjun, a professor
at Tsinghua University’s School of Vehicle and Mobility.
“Future competition will increasingly hinge upon cost
control and supply-chain efficiency, and these are
areas where China holds clear advantages,” he told
Agence France-Presse (AFP).
At the brightly lit factory in Guangzhou’s southern
industrial heartland, logistics robots zip around,
ferrying unfinished parts.
The lightweight six-propeller aircraft under construction
takes off vertically and fits into a large car, to produce
the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” a modular flying vehicle
made by Aridge, an arm of Chinese EV maker XPeng.
The flying part is stored and charged in a wheeled onland
vehicle dubbed “the mothership.”
At full capacity, the Aridge factory can churn out one
every 30 minutes. It began trial production in early
November, and the company plans to start deliveries
next year, saying it has received more than 7,000 preorders.
But there is a long way to go before flying cars
are whizzing through the air every day.
“Regulations, the consumer’s comfort with this
product, and also how you manage airspaces, your
supply chains, all need to catch up gradually,” Michael
Du, vice president of Aridge, told reporters at a recent
event. Competition is heating up among global tech
giants over the future of aerial mobility, with Tesla CEO
Elon Musk teasing the debut of a flying car prototype.
“If you took all the James Bond cars and combined
them, it’s crazier than that,” Musk told the Joe Rogan
Experience podcast.

American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss debuted the
first flying car prototype in 1917.
But successful designs have only become possible in
recent years as electric motors and high-performance
batteries have advanced.
Major players in the sector have conducted manned
test flights, including California-based companies Joby
and Archer, as well as Aridge, EHang and Volant in
China.
This year, EHang became the world’s first flying
car company to be fully approved for commercial
operation, something Aridge has yet to achieve.
EHang plans to introduce an air taxi service, priced
similarly to a premium road taxi, within three years.
“Flying cars remain at an early developmental stage,”
said Zhang, who edited a white paper on China’s flying
car industry.
He still sees the sector as worthy of long-term
endeavour, and authorities agree.
Beijing has named the “low-altitude economy” –
flying cars, drones and air taxis – as a strategic field
for the next five years, seeking to accelerate their
development.
Provincial governments from Guangdong to Sichuan
have pledged to loosen restrictions.
A Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report said China’s
flying car market is approaching “a critical inflection
point,” and predicted it will be worth $41 billion by
2040. However, the sector has struggled to find viable
business models elsewhere, with several high-profile
insolvencies in Europe and leading U.S. players
burning through cash while plans for mass production
remain unfulfilled.
Direct comparisons between the sector in China and
other international markets are tricky.
But “in terms of the EV supply chain, China is far in the
lead,” said Brandon Wang, a Beijing-based investor
whose portfolio includes AI, robotics and flying cars.
Flying cars can use EV parts once they are certified for
aviation use, which may help Chinese companies scale
up. China also has an “engineer dividend” that enables
its companies to resolve technical issues in production
quickly, Wang added.
71
January 2026