Turks Produce More Cars

Turkish automotive production increased by 23% year-on-year, producing 157,729 vehicles in March according to data provided by the Ankara's Automotive Manufacturers Association.  Production in the first three months of the year also increased by 23% y/y with a total of 424,219 units created. Turkish auto production remains healthy despite a slowing of the economy and the political fallout of the attempted coup d'etat against President Erdogan in 2016, Metal Bulletin reported on April 13. Despite the issue with the two EU members, Turkish automotive exports increased 38% y/y to 135,965 units in March, with the EU remaining the biggest export market for Turkish-made products. Vehicle output is expected to rise by 11% in 2017 to 1.65 million vehicles making it the biggest vehicle manufacturer in the Middle East region in the first quarter.