Tesla sales slump in Türkiye amid service quality, leadership shake-up

Tesla acknowledges seeing a downturn in sales of Model Y cars in Türkiye, mainly due to post-sales service issues and leadership shift.

The performance of the current year stands in stark contrast with 2023, when Tesla sold a total of 12,150 units. Startling data from the Association of Automotive Distributors (ODMD) reveals that Tesla managed to sell a mere 295 Model Y vehicles in the first two months of 2024, marking a significant decline in sales.

Türkiye warmly embraced Tesla in 2023, with the Model Y quickly gaining popularity among enthusiasts. However, the initial euphoria appears to be waning. Tesla attributes this downturn to two factors: post-sales service issues and leadership shift. 

Kemal Gecer's departure

The departure of Kemal Gecer, the general manager who played a pivotal role in Tesla's initial Türkiye operations, has had a profound impact on the company. Gecer, who managed the post-sales service process with a small team, announced his exit in November 2023, leaving a void in leadership. This absence of a clear successor has further compounded the challenges faced by the electric car giant in Türkiye.

Reports suggest that Tesla enthusiasts, colloquially known as "Teslamania," initially witnessed their demands being met satisfactorily.

However, a shift in focus toward fulfilling these requests, coupled with increasing challenges in availability, has prompted many enthusiasts to explore alternative vehicle options. Tesla now sees a decrease in demand.

Despite being a global trailblazer in the electric vehicle industry, Tesla's struggles in Türkiye underscore the importance of sustained customer satisfaction beyond the initial product launch.

The company faces the critical task of addressing post-sales service concerns, ensuring consistent leadership and reevaluating pricing strategies to regain its foothold in the competitive Türkiye market.

Source: Newsroom