06/04/2026
🚗 Full Speed Ahead in Türkiye’s Automotive Sector
The sector continues to gain momentum at a rapid pace. Last week, we had the opportunity to visit the Mercedes-Benz Türkiye Hoşdere Bus Factory with EU Economic and Commercial Counsellors. Following the visit to the factory, the Counsellors held a meeting with the Automotive Industry Association (OSD) and members of the largest OEMS.
According to OSD 2025 shared data, Türkiye’s automotive sector continues to demonstrate strong and steady growth. Passenger car production reached 1.4 million units (+4% increase). Türkiye ranks 6th in passenger car production within the EU and 14th globally. In the bus segment, Türkiye holds the #1 position in Europe and ranks 4th worldwide—highlighting its global competitiveness and manufacturing strength.
Building on this momentum, we recently visited the Mercedes-Benz Otomotiv Türkiye Hoşdere Bus Factory. With over 7,000 employees and 59 years of history, it remains one of the largest and longest-standing foreign direct investments in Türkiye’s automotive sector. Did you know that 45% of all Mercedes buses are produced in Türkiye? About 50 % of trucks and 70% of buses are exported. Main export market of the company is the EU.
Together with Austrian automotive supplier companies, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Türkiye continues engaging with OEMs in Türkiye—bringing Austrian know-how and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
Stay tuned for more info about our upcoming event.
Thanks to the guest speakers: Mr Cengiz Eroldu, President of Automotive Industry Association and TOFAŞ-FIAT CEO, accompanied by Tugrul Arikan (OSD Board Member – Treasurer & Anadolu Isuzu CEO), Okan Baş (OSD Board Member & Karsan CEO), Barbaros YILDIRIM Yıldırım (Hyundai Deputy Chair and OSD Board Member), OZLEM GUCLUER (OSD Secretary General), Mürşide Ayşin Bektaş Cebeci (OSD International Trade and Workforce Coordinator), Sinan Ayhan (Ford Otosan Public Affairs), Selen ALTAN (Mercedes-Benz Türk Public Affairs), Ahmet Arif Sezgin (Otokar Public Affairs) for the valuable insights.
Gerhard Lackner
Eser Ergin Ünlütürk