Tesla has surged ahead in Türkiye’s electric vehicle (EV) market, selling 8,730 Model Y units in August, an 86% increase from July, according to data from the Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association (ODMD). The U.S. automaker is now Türkiye’s second-largest auto brand by monthly sales, trailing only Renault.
The strong performance pushed Tesla past established brands including Fiat, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai, while capturing nearly half of Türkiye’s EV market in August. Year-to-date deliveries through August reached roughly 26,000 vehicles, quadrupling the volume seen during the same period in 2024, Turkish Minute reported.
Industry analysts attribute Tesla’s momentum in Türkiye to several factors, including the rapid growth of the country’s EV market. EVs accounted for around 20% of total vehicle sales this summer, up from 8% last year, supported by government incentives and increasing consumer adoption.
The Model Y benefits from Türkiye’s Special Consumption Tax (SCT) system, which taxes lower-powered electric vehicles at a reduced rate. Tesla software limits the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) to 160 kW, allowing it to qualify for the lowest SCT bracket. This approach mirrors strategies used in other markets, such as Canada, where Tesla adjusted Model 3 power to meet federal incentives.
