Turkish automotive production (except agricultural tractors) increased 14% year to 621,695 units in the first six months of 2011, the local automotive industry association (OSD) anounced.

Due to raising domestic demand, the capacity utilisation rate (CUR) also increased to 79% in the first half, up from last year’s 72%.

Oyak Renault claims the top as automotive manufacturer, producing 178,720 units, followed by Tofas [Fiat] and Ford Otosan, with 167,714 and 149,433 units respectively.

Domestic retail sales rose a booming 54% to 445,090 units in the first half and by a significant 35% to 85,689 units in June.

Turkey economy booms – auto industry benefits most

The association informed an increase in demand has been consistent since mid-2010 but is now losing momentum due to government moves to reel in loans. June 2011 volume growth was just 1% versus May.

Domestic factory sales rose 39% to 190,611 units in the first half and 7% in June, mostly due to commercial vehicle demand.

Turkey is a key export hub for the commercial vehicle market for the likes of Ford’s Transit Connect van, Toyota’s Verso minivan and Corolla sedan and various Renaults. Shipments abroad in the first six months raised 5% year on year to 417,348 units and 4% to 70,705 units in June.

Turkey : Important Auto exporteur soon?

Sector export revenue – including motor vehicles, parts and accessories – rose 18% to US$10.3bn.

Oyak-Renault was top exporter in the first half, shipping 124,112 units abroad. Ford Otosan and Tofas followed with 109,904 and 101,148 units, respectively.

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