Features
8 nov 17

Turkey: Still searching the socket

The Turkish fleet market is quite conservative, both in terms of brands and models, and as far as powertrains are concerned. Diesel sits firmly on its throne, with a market share of over 95 percent. Still, sustainability is becoming an issue in Turkey as well.

“Many automotive brands are introducing alternatively powered vehicles with low or zero emission (Battery Electric Vehicles, hybrid vehicles)”, says Tolga Özgül from Tokkder.” Although minimizing the costs is the main target for the car fleet owners, the sustainable growth idea will be more and more dominant in the near future starting from the multinational and large local fleet owners.”

Electric: yes; Hybrid: less

Contrary to other European markets, Turkey is less focused on (plug-in) hybrids as an alternative. Instead, there appears to be more interest for fully-electric cars. “Our market still has a lot of work to do in terms of infrastructure for charging these vehicles”, explains Onur Kurşungöz from the Turkish Mercedes-Benz importer.

“Turkey is a conservative market in terms of new powertrains. Change should only be expected in the long term. However, customer interest is real, so we shouldn’t be surprised to see more and more electric cars in Turkey in the upcoming years.”

Fiscal push for electric

Turkey’s taxation system makes electric vehicles more advantageous dan hybrid cars, too. “Fully electric powertrains will have the best chance of success in Turkey due to significant tax benefits when buying the car”, Onur explains. Hybrid cars are also supported from a tax point of view, but to a lesser extent.

He believes the trend will strengthen in 2018, as more products will be offered on the market, especially in the area of fully electric cars. “Other important factors are increased tax advantages and the fact that company car drivers are becoming more and more socially aware of their carbon footprint.”

Authored by: Dieter Quartier