Attending the Çukurova Autoshow 2009 in Adana, Aybar noted that the Turkish auto sector has become the 15th largest in the world and the fifth largest in the EU. Aybar pointed out that Turkey has managed to raise its auto exports to about 1 million per year. Exported automobiles in 2008 amounted to 910,000, while revenue totaled $25 billion, he explained, adding that this year will see a slight decrease compared to last year due to the global financial crisis.
The auto sector breathed a sigh of relief thanks to the tax incentive. A total of 81,390 automobiles were sold during the month of September this year, accounting for a twofold year on year increase for September |
Aybar also spoke about the positive effects of a cut in the private consumption tax (ÖTV) on the sector, saying that the sector had breathed a sigh of relief thanks to this incentive, which was introduced in March and remained in effect until last month. Auto plants did not suffer from contraction and did not have to lay any workers off, he said.
A total of 81,390 automobiles were sold during the month of September, Aybar said, adding that this is a record for the Turkish auto sector. “Until this year, the highest sales figure seen in September was about 62,000. On average, this month saw sales of roughly 40-45,000 vehicles. It increased by more than twofold this year.” This favorable result indicates the necessity of decreasing tax rates, Aybar stated, adding that this has boosted demand and will lead to an increase in employment, production and tax receipts. He said it is unlikely that the same sales level will be reached in 2010 considering how the tax incentive has expired.
