Automotive Has Become The Locomotive Sector In Exports," Ataseven

GAZIANTEP - "Our dream has come true" said Mufit Ataseven, general coordinator of Association of Authorized Automotive Sellers (OYDER) when assessing Turkish automotive sector.
Ataaseven told AA that automotive sector has become the locomotive sector in exports. He reminded that exports in automotive key industry and supplier industries have increased 36 percent in January-May period of 2007, and reached 7.5 billion USD.
"Turkey has become an automotive base. There has been significant increase in production capacity. We are proud that our dream of 30 years has come true. Production capacity of big firms making export is about to reach 100 percent" he added.

-DOMESTIC MARKETS-
"On the other hand, the sales in automotive in domestic markets has witnessed 15 percent drop," said Ataseven, noting the total decrease in the first four months of 2007 has been realized as 30 percent.
High interest rates is a factor in narrowing of domestic markets, said Ataseven who pointed to the determining role of consumer credits in purchases in the sector.
Shrinking of consumer sector will continue if interest rates do not decrease, he added.
Meanwhile Ataseven said he expects the domestic markets to regenerate in September 2007.