OSS Association Reviewed the Third Quarter of 2025!
OSS Association Reviewed the Third Quarter of 2025!
The stagnant trend observed in the automotive aftermarket in 2024 continued in the third quarter of 2025. The sector, which maintained a horizontal trajectory in sales, exports, and employment in Q3 2025, does not anticipate growth in the final quarter of the year. According to the 2025 Q3 Sectoral Assessment Survey conducted by the Automotive Aftermarket Products and Services Association (OSS), domestic sales in Q3 2025 increased by an average of 1.5% in USD compared to the same period in 2024. While 15.2% of manufacturer members planned investments in the previous survey, this rate rose to 33.3% in the latest survey. The main issue observed in Q3 2025 was “excessive cost increases,” with “cash flow problems” and “loss of business and revenue” also highlighted as significant challenges for members.
OSS Association evaluated the third quarter of 2025 for the automotive aftermarket sector through a survey involving its members. According to the 2025 Q3 Sectoral Assessment Survey, the automotive aftermarket sector maintained a horizontal trend during this period. Domestic sales in Q3 2025 rose by an average of 1.5% in USD compared to Q3 2024. During the same period, distributor members’ sales increased by 1.92% in USD, while manufacturer members saw a 0.71% increase.
Collection processes continue to face challenges
The survey also addressed expectations for the last quarter of 2025. According to the findings, domestic sales in USD are expected to decline by 1.58% in Q4 2025. OSS Association noted that the efficiency of collection processes fell from 40.5% in Q2 2025 to 38.4% in Q3 2025, with 10% of members reporting improvements, while 50% indicated that the process worsened.
One in three companies reported a decrease in employment
Only 13.3% of members increased employment compared to Q2 2025, while 51.7% maintained their workforce. The proportion of members reporting a decrease in employment rose to 35%. Employment reductions were mostly observed among manufacturer members, whereas distributor members largely maintained their workforce.
Excessive cost increases remain the biggest challenge
The survey also highlighted the key challenges faced by the sector. According to members, the top issue in Q3 2025 was “excessive cost increases” at 76.7%, followed by “cash flow problems” at 75%. Additionally, 51.7% of members cited “loss of business and revenue” as the third most critical issue. Other challenges included “shipping costs and delivery issues” (33.3%), “customs-related problems” (16.7%), “supply issues” (13.3%), and “employment challenges” (13.3%). Moreover, 11.7% of participants identified currency fluctuations and exchange rate increases as significant problems.
One-third of manufacturer members are preparing for investments
Investment plans were also examined in the survey. The proportion of members planning new investments in the next three months remained low at 18.3%. While 15.2% of manufacturer members planned investments in the previous survey, this figure rose to 33.3% in the latest survey. Among distributors, the proportion decreased from 15% to 10.3%. The proportion of distributor members expecting a more negative trend over the next three months increased from 25% to 41%, and the same figure for manufacturers rose from 39.4% to 42.9%.
Production increased, exports declined
Manufacturer members’ average capacity utilization in Q3 2025 reached 72.86%, compared to 72.73% in Q1 2025. Production among members increased by 1.9% compared to Q3 2024, while exports decreased by 1.9% in USD during the same period.
Chairman Ali Özçete evaluates the results
Evaluating the survey results, OSS Association Chairman Ali Özçete stated: “The horizontal trend observed in sales, exports, and employment in Q3 2025 demonstrates the resilience of the automotive aftermarket despite challenging economic conditions. However, excessive cost increases, cash flow difficulties, and collection challenges continue to pressure the sector. On the positive side, the increase in investment plans among our manufacturer members clearly indicates the sector’s desire to strengthen production capacity and enhance competitiveness in the long term. With our members’ steady approach and commitment to investment, we believe the sector will regain growth momentum as the economic environment improves.”
Highlighting that the slowdown is not unique to Turkey, Ali Özçete added: “The independent aftermarket is experiencing a similar stagnation globally. This natural selection process worldwide inevitably affects players in Turkey as well. However, record-breaking new vehicle sales indicate that the automotive aftermarket is likely to achieve a much stronger position in the medium term.
Although the demand contraction may exert short-term price pressures, it presents a significant opportunity for end consumers. Expectations for Q1 2026 indicate a renewed increase in demand. Campaigns organized under inventory reduction pressure during this period offer advantageous purchasing conditions for consumers. However, extending vehicle maintenance intervals during this time can lead to serious technical issues that may jeopardize safety. Therefore, it is crucial for vehicle owners to carry out periodic maintenance and part replacements without delay.”