Renault Leads First Half: Grey and White Dominate Turkish Auto Market

In the first half of the year, Turkey’s auto market experienced an unexpected turning point: registrations fell 11.7% yet colour preferences and brand rankings revealed striking shifts.

The New Colour Hierarchy: Grey’s Dominance

■Grey vehicles: 190,529

■White: 117,004

■Black: 54,144

■Blue: 44,877

■Green: 25,379

■Red: 14,634

■Brown: 5,988

■Orange: 1,576

■Yellow: 1,370

Brand Battle: Renault’s Ascendancy

■Renault: 15,136 registrations

■Hyundai: 5,248

■Volkswagen: 4,908

■Fiat: 4,791

Market Impact and Financial Commentary

■A slowdown in auto‑finance volumes may pressure banks’ net interest margins (NIM), though the shift toward neutral colours could sustain demand for premium‑tier lending products.

■Slower inventory turnover tests capital adequacy ratios (SYR), making liquidity buffers a priority for lenders.

■Innovation in digital payments and auto‑credit platforms is poised to reshape consumer behaviour and support a market rebound.

Rüzgar Ersoy, Director of Financial Technologies and Banking, notes: The first‑half registration dip forces lenders to restructure auto‑loan portfolios, while the prevalence of grey and white hues hints at a continued appetite for premium‑segment financing solutions. Banks should leverage digital approval streams and alternative‑data modelling to manage risk, focusing on variable‑rate products that protect NIM amid evolving market dynamics.