How Türkiye Became Europe’s Top Commercial Vehicle Exporter

For more than a decade, Türkiye has held a leading position in the European automotive market, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector. From cargo vans and minibuses to trucks and buses, Turkish factories are producing vehicles that are exported to over 150 countries worldwide. This success did not happen overnight. It is the result of strategic investments, global partnerships, skilled labor, and the country’s advantageous geographic location connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Today, Türkiye is recognized as Europe’s #1 exporter of commercial vehicles, a title it maintains through innovation, strong manufacturing capacity, and a growing global market presence. But how did Türkiye reach this position, and what keeps it ahead of the competition? Let’s take a closer look.

The Foundation: Global Automotive Partnerships

Türkiye’s rise in commercial vehicle production began when major automakers partnered with Turkish companies to create joint ventures. These collaborations brought global engineering expertise together with Türkiye’s cost-effective manufacturing environment.

Some of the most influential examples include:

• Ford Otosan (Ford Motor Company + Koç Holding)

• TOFAŞ (Stellantis / Fiat + Koç Holding)

• Mercedes-Benz Türk

• Isuzu Anadolu

• Karsan Automotive

These partnerships allowed Türkiye to develop advanced production facilities that meet strict European standards. This is why vehicles manufactured in Türkiye can be exported across the EU without restrictions — a critical factor in the country’s export success.

Ford Otosan: The Backbone of Türkiye’s Export Strength

Ford Otosan plays the largest role in Türkiye’s commercial vehicle dominance. With massive factories in Kocaeli and Eskişehir, Ford Otosan is responsible for producing the iconic Ford Transit series — one of the most widely used commercial vans in Europe.

Key Vehicles Produced for Export:

• Ford Transit Custom

• Ford Transit Courier

• Ford Tourneo passenger vans

• Ford Cargo trucks

Ford Otosan has consistently ranked among the top vehicle exporters in Türkiye every year. In many European countries, when people see a delivery van, it is likely to be a Ford Transit built in Türkiye.

In recent years, Ford Otosan has also moved forward with electric and hybrid commercial vehicles, positioning Türkiye for leadership in sustainable mobility.

A Strategic Geographic Advantage

Location plays a major role in Türkiye’s dominance. The country sits at the center of major trade routes between:

• Europe

• Central Asia

• The Middle East

• North Africa

This allows fast and cost-efficient delivery of commercial vehicles to different regions. Additionally, Türkiye has high-capacity ports such as:

• Port of Istanbul

• Port of Izmir

• Port of Gemlik

• Port of Mersin

These ports connect Turkish production lines to global shipping networks, enabling vehicle exports on a massive international scale.

Local Expertise and Skilled Labor

Türkiye’s labor force is known for being:

• Highly skilled

• Technically trained

• Adaptable to new manufacturing technologies

Many of the country's automotive factories include advanced robotics, automation systems, and AI-controlled production processes. Skilled technicians ensure these systems run efficiently and meet quality standards demanded by international markets.

As a result, Turkish-made commercial vehicles are known for:

• Durability

• Reliability

• Competitive pricing

• Strong after-sales service networks

This reputation supports continuous foreign demand.

Innovation in Electric and Hybrid Commercial Mobility

As global transportation shifts towards sustainability, Türkiye is adapting quickly. Several companies are investing in electric commercial vehicle production:

Ford Otosan

Developing electric versions of Transit vans for Europe.

Karsan Automotive

Producing fully electric minibuses and public transport vehicles for European cities.

TOGG

While mainly focused on passenger EVs, TOGG’s expansion influences the entire industry by pushing for national electric infrastructure.

This strategic transition ensures that Türkiye remains competitive in the future global automotive landscape.

Karsan: Türkiye’s Rising Star in Public Transportation

Another noteworthy player is Karsan, a Turkish manufacturer specializing in buses and urban public transport vehicles. In recent years, Karsan has gained attention for producing fully electric city buses, many of which are now in operation across Europe.

Cities in:

• France

• Romania

• Italy

• Germany

are using Turkish-made electric buses as part of their green transportation policies.

Karsan’s innovation demonstrates how Türkiye is not only manufacturing vehicles — it is also contributing solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.

Government Support and Industry Policy

The Turkish government has played a significant role in boosting the commercial vehicle industry by:

• Offering incentives for domestic production

• Encouraging research and development centers

• Supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure

• Maintaining competitive tax structures for automotive exports

These policies help manufacturers reduce costs, increase competitiveness, and expand production capacity.

Why Türkiye Will Remain a Leader in Commercial Vehicle Exports

The combination of factors that made Türkiye a leading exporter remains strong:

Key Advantage	Result
Strategic location	Faster shipping to global markets
Advanced factories	High-quality vehicles that meet international standards
Skilled workforce	Efficient and precise manufacturing
Strong global partnerships	Stable investment and technology sharing
Growing EV ecosystem	Future-proof industry

Even as the global automotive market changes rapidly, Türkiye continues to adapt — and this adaptability is what ensures long-term success.

Conclusion

Türkiye’s status as Europe’s top commercial vehicle exporter is the result of decades of strategic planning, industrial investment, and global cooperation. From Ford Transits built for businesses across Europe, to Turkish-made electric buses operating in major cities, the country has solidified its place in the global supply chain.

With growing innovation in electric vehicles and increasing attention to sustainable mobility, Türkiye is not just maintaining its leadership — it is shaping the future of commercial transportation.