Turkey’s market for new cars is heading towards record-breaking growth in 2025, but Chinese automakers are no longer riding the wave, business daily Dunya has reported.

Once dominant with aggressive pricing and rapid market penetration, Chinese brands like Chery, MG, DFSK and Skywell are now reportedly facing sharp declines in sales and market share. The shift comes as regulatory changes and rising costs push Chinese vehicle prices closer to those of European competitors.

European brands have launched aggressive campaigns, offering entry-level car models at competitive prices and expanding financing and fleet sales options—these are areas where Chinese manufacturers have struggled to gain traction.

Chery and MG, once among the fastest-growing brands in Turkey, have seen significant losses in the country compared to last year. Chery’s sales dropped 57.1% in the first seven months of this year, falling from 41,139 units to 17,634.

MG, which entered the market with electric vehicle (EV) models, experienced a dramatic contraction of over 88% y/y, effectively halting operations.

Other Chinese brands have also suffered: DFSK, Skywell, and Hongqi saw year-on-year market contractions of 20% and 40%, respectively. Jaecoo, a newcomer, failed to meet expectations in its debut year.

The only exception to the slump was BYD Auto, the Chinese company that is the world’s top maker of EVs. It has benefitted from Turkish government incentives, awarded because it has committed to setting up production in Turkey, and an expanded model lineup. BYD’s sales in the country surged by 1,663% y/y to 29,284 units in 7M25. The figure was up from just 1,661 units in the same period of last year.

The changing auto market landscape has reshaped consumer priorities. Price alone is no longer the decisive factor. Buyers now place greater emphasis on warranty coverage, service networks, brand reputation and resale value, industry experts say.

As Chinese models lose their pricing edge, European brands have regained momentum, especially in urban centres.

For Chinese automakers in Turkey, the era of “price-performance dominance” appears to be fading, replaced by a more complex set of consumer expectations and competitive dynamics.