February Headlines: Clio 6 Rolls Out, BYD's Factory in Question, Tesla Pushes Range

Renault Clio 6: Built in Bursa, Starting at ₺1,799,000

The new Clio is here. Built at the Oyak Renault factory in Bursa, the 6th generation Clio is now at dealerships starting at ₺1,799,000 — with a ₺50,000 launch discount on top.

Currently available only with the TCe 115 petrol engine, LPG and hybrid versions are expected in the second half of the year. Renault's second locally-produced new model, the Boreal, will also join the Bursa production line later in 2026 — which should eventually help keep prices competitive.

Is BYD Leaving Turkey? Manisa Factory in Limbo

BYD, Turkey's fastest-growing automotive brand in 2025, is in the spotlight — but not for sales numbers. Its Manisa factory project seems to be on ice.

BYD sold 40,700 vehicles last year, leading the new energy vehicle market. However, the EU's additional customs duties on Chinese-made EVs are directly impacting the brand's production decision in Turkey. Will the factory actually happen? That's the question everyone's asking.

Tesla Model Y Long Range: 657 km Range, Tax Question Mark

Tesla is preparing to bring the 74 kWh Model Y Long Range to the Turkish market. Offering 657 km of range per WLTP standards, the model could open for pre-orders in February. The stripped-down Standard version drew a lot of criticism; this looks like Tesla's answer.

The critical question: the tax bracket. If it stays in the 25% SCT tier, the estimated price sits around ₺2.5 million. But if the higher battery capacity pushes it into a higher bracket, the price could climb toward ₺3 million. With Model Y Performance already listed at ₺4.4 million, the Long Range's positioning could shift the balance.

69 New Models on the Way — What Stands Out

Turkey's automotive market will see 69 new models from 29 brands this year. January kicked off strong with 75,362 units sold, while EVs reached an impressive 18% market share. Manual transmission? Almost extinct at just 2.6%.

The ones I'm keeping an eye on include Toyota's new-gen RAV4, KIA EV3, Volvo EX60, and Alpine A390. Togg, after its record 39,000 sales in 2025, is holding prices steady on the T10X and T10F while offering zero-interest financing. Meanwhile, a scrappage incentive bill in parliament could unlock significant benefits for 12 locally-produced models if passed.