Alper Kanca

The Turkish automotive sector could be affected indirectly by the Russia-Ukraine conflict because of rising costs, according to professionals.

Turkey's exports to Russia, which hit $705 million last year, is not expected to be affected so far, Baran Çelik, the head of the Automotive Exporters Association (OİB), told daily Hürriyet.

As the European automotive market resumes production amid uncertain demand due to coronavirus, Turkey is well-positioned to emerge from the crisis with less damage and to draw more export orders, according to an industry leader.

The turnover loss of the Turkish automotive sector due to the coronavirus crisis will be limited to $5 billion, according to the Transport Vehicles Supply Industry Association (TAYSAD).

Amid many rumors over recent months, it has been reported that German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) will decide where to build its new plant at the end of November, with Turkey and Bulgaria standing out as the two strongest candidates for the company to invest in.