Istanbul / Anadolu

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat said that Turkey has become the 13th largest automotive production base globally and the 5th in Europe.

He spoke at the 'Export Champions' awards ceremony on Thursday at the headquarters of the Turkish Exporters' Assembly in Istanbul.

Bolat explained that the automotive sector has maintained its top position in Turkish exports for 19 years, describing it as an 'honorable face of Turkish industry and manufacturing on the global stage'.

He noted that the sector's exports reached $41.5 billion in the past year 2025, accounting for more than 15% of Turkey's total exports of $273 billion.

He stated that according to 2025 production figures, Turkey ranks 9th globally and 1st in Europe in light commercial vehicle production, and 4th globally in bus production.

He pointed out that Turkey ranks 5th in Europe and 13th globally in automobile production.

Bolat emphasized that the success of the automotive sector is based on an integrated ecosystem supported by electronics, steel, machinery, and software industries.

According to the minister, exports of the main automotive industry reached around $25 billion of the sector's total exports last year.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, awards in platinum, gold, silver, and bronze categories were given to 133 companies, including Ford Otomotiv, which led the sector's exports last year.