Tesla’s Sales Soar in Turkey, Making Company Second-Best-Selling Automotive Brand
Tesla has achieved a remarkable feat in Turkey, with sales hitting a record high in August. According to a report by Reuters, Tesla has become the second-best-selling automotive brand in the country, surpassing traditional auto giants such as Fiat, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai, and trailing only Renault.
The surge in sales can be attributed to Tesla selling 8,730 Model Y units in Turkey last month, marking an 86% increase over July. The American EV maker also outsold its closest rival, BYD, by seven times, capturing a significant 50% share of the nation’s EV market.
Analysts believe that the spike in sales is partly due to fluctuating allocations from Giga Berlin, Tesla’s German factory, which supplies all vehicles destined for the Turkish market. Production at Giga Berlin has led to uneven deliveries in Turkey, with sales ranging from as low as 100 units earlier this year to surpassing 4,000 in June and July.
The base Model Y, the only version available in Turkey, has also benefited from the country’s lowest tax bracket for passenger vehicles, driving up demand. Compared to conventional combustion engine cars that face high special consumption and value-added taxes, Teslas priced in euros are seen as a more attractive option for buyers. Additionally, the depreciation of the Turkish lira has further incentivized consumers to opt for Teslas as a hedge against currency fluctuations.
Tesla first introduced the Model Y in Turkey in April 2023, with deliveries commencing the following month. Since its launch, Tesla has rapidly gained traction in the EV market, selling approximately 26,000 units from January through August of this year, a significant increase from the same period in 2024.
In other news, Giga Berlin has recently initiated production of the refreshed Model Y Performance, which was launched in Europe last week. The introduction of the updated Model Y Performance is expected to further bolster Tesla’s presence in the region and enhance its competitive edge in the electric vehicle market.
Overall, Tesla’s success in Turkey showcases the growing demand for electric vehicles and highlights the company’s ability to disrupt the automotive industry with its innovative products and strategic market approach.