In the opening month of 2024, the Turkish electric vehicle (EV) market experienced significant changes in leadership. The domestic manufacturer Togg retained its top position, while China's BYD rapidly climbed to second place. Conversely, Tesla, which has temporarily halted sales in Türkiye, did not record any transactions during this period.
The automotive sector faced a downturn, with overall sales of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles dropping by nearly 14% compared to the previous year, totaling just over 68,000 units. Passenger car sales alone saw a decline of 12.6%, reaching approximately 56,000 units. Despite these challenges, fully electric vehicles continued their upward trajectory, with sales increasing by more than 56% year-on-year to over 6,200 units. This growth elevated the share of EVs to 11.1% of total vehicle sales, up from 6.2% in the same period last year.
Amidst these shifts, Togg emerged as a dominant force, selling 1,570 units in January and capturing a quarter of the EV market. Following its entry into the Turkish market in late 2023, BYD also made a strong impression, securing second place with 1,015 units sold. Other notable performers included Mercedes-Benz, KG Mobility, and BMW. Notably, Togg's T10X model led the sales charts, followed by BYD's ATTO 3 and KG Mobility's Torres.
The resilience of the EV market, particularly in challenging economic conditions, underscores the growing consumer preference for sustainable transportation solutions. This trend highlights the importance of innovation and adaptability in the automotive industry, as manufacturers like Togg and BYD continue to meet the evolving demands of consumers. As the market continues to expand, it presents an opportunity for further advancements in technology and infrastructure, paving the way for a greener future.