Tesla is strengthening its position in Turkey, where its Model Y is showing significant success. In September, the compact SUV was the fourth best-selling car in the country and the best-selling electric vehicle (EV).
In September 2024, car sales in Turkey decreased by 11.82 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, reaching 69,634 units. The LCV market increased by 1.6 percent, reaching 18,106 units. The total passenger car and LCV market in Turkey decreased by 0.9 percent in the period January-September 2024 compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 849,892 units.
Gasoline cars lead the way this year with a share of 63.6 percent. Second place goes to hybrid cars with 110,225 units and a share of 16.4 percent. During this period, 71,326 diesel and 58,638 battery electric cars were sold.
In September, Tesla achieved significant success. Its Model Y became the fourth best-selling car in Turkey, competing with all market participants, including local manufacturers. The company sold 2,475 units, losing only to three competitors. In first place was the Renault Clio HB with 4,026 units, in second place was the Fiat Egea Sedan with 3,066 units, and in third place was the Renault Megane Sedan with 2,646. The top 5 is closed out by Nissan Qashqai with 2,231 units.
In September 2024, the Turkish EV market reached a significant turning point. According to the Automobile and Mobility Importers Association (ODMD), Tesla pulled ahead with its Model Y in September, leaving behind domestic rival TOGG. The data showed that a total of 9,548 electric vehicles were sold in September, of which Tesla Model Y accounted for 25.9%. TOGG T10X came in second, selling 2,200 units. MINI Countryman came in third with 551 units, while BMW iX1 came in fourth with 513 units. Mercedes-Benz EQB closed out the top 5 with 463 units.
While Tesla led the EV market in September, TOGG remains the undisputed market leader for the year as a whole. In the first nine months of the year, the Turkish EV manufacturer sold 17,049 units. Tesla is in second place with 7,027 units sold.
Overall, interest in EVs has increased in Turkey, thanks in no small part to TOGG and Tesla. In addition to the availability of different models and the environmental aspects of electric vehicles, their attractiveness is also enhanced by the technological innovations incorporated into them and attractive tax incentives. Buyers of EVs in Turkey benefit from a lower special consumption tax (ÖTV), which is significantly cheaper compared to cars with internal combustion engines.
