Turkish embargo: Importer excludes Hyundai i10, i20, and Bayon

The embargo imposed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on trade with Israel is beginning to affect the local car market. Colmobil, the Hyundai importer, announced today to bodies in the industry that it has been forced to stop importing the three models manufactured in the country.

"We want to update that due to the cessation of trade between Turkey and Israel, at this stage we cannot import the following models: Hyundai i10, i20, and Bayon manufactured in Turkey. Since the announcement of the trade cessation, we have been working resolutely and creatively to find alternative solutions that will allow us to continue to provide you with excellent service." Colmobil stated that "in recent days, there has been a lot of uncertainty regarding imports from Turkey, resulting in uncertainty about future supplies. As a preventive measure, it has been decided at this stage to suspend orders for these models. We are working in collaboration with the manufacturer to find supply solutions."

While the Bayon did not succeed in the small crossover market, i10 and i20 have been among the bestsellers in the mini and super-mini market until now. Although the i10 is also manufactured in India, without European standardization, and special production of cars with the required standard in Israel does not seem economically viable at the moment. The absence cuts off 25% of the mini models with gasoline engines sold in the country, leaving it with the Kia Picanto twin, the old Mitsubishi Space Star, and the Toyota Aygo X.

In Turkey, Toyota Corolla and C-HR are also manufactured, as well as the Renault Grand Coupe. All importers are testing the continued import of cars to the country using transshipment - transferring the cars from Turkey to another European port, and from there to the country. This process may slightly increase the transportation costs, but it is not yet clear if it will be allowed, depending on the level of compliance of the Turks with the trade embargo.

Unlike the C-HR, the Corolla is also produced in the USA, for example, and it is possible to import cars to the country in American standards. However, such a change also requires a change in the spare parts supply chain, as well as availability from the factory in Mississippi, which may take time.

Meanwhile, two importers have announced price increases in recent days. Delta Motors will raise the price of the Mazda 2 by NIS 4,000, with the starting price now at NIS 120,000, and the CX3 at the same amount, starting at NIS 138,000. Both models are produced in Thailand, and their import has become more expensive due to Houthis attacks

Kia, too, has raised prices on several models imported from South Korea, which are now being sent on a longer, slower, and more expensive route around the Houthis area instead of directly to Eilat via the Red Sea.

The base model Kia Picanto LX, mainly sold to leasing companies and with 0 km routes, has increased by NIS 1,000 to NIS 100,000. The 1.4-liter Kia Stonic has increased by NIS 7,000 to NIS 127,000. The basic 2,000 cc Sportage has increased by NIS 2,000 to NIS 177,000, and the Carnival has increased by NIS 6,000 to NIS 276,000.