The Turkish boycott: the importer announced that it will not supply the Hyundai i10, i20 and Bayon

The embargo imposed by Turkish President Recep Erdogan on trade with Israel is beginning to affect the local car market. Calmobile, the importer of Hyundai, informed the bodies in the industry today that it had to stop the import of the three models produced in the country.

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"We would like to inform you that following the cessation of trade between Turkey and Israel, at this stage it is not possible to import the following models: Hyundai i10, i20 and Bayon manufactured in Turkey. Since the announcement of the cessation of trade, we have been working with determination and creativity to find alternative solutions that will allow us to continue to provide you with the best service" .
Machmobil reported that "in recent days there has been great uncertainty regarding imports from Turkey, resulting in uncertainty regarding future supplies. As a preventive measure, it was decided at this stage to suspend the orders for these models. We are working with the manufacturer to find solutions for supply."

While the Bayon has not been a success in the small crossover market, the i10 and i20 have so far been best sellers in the mini and super mini market, respectively. I10 is indeed also produced in India, but without European standards, and special production there of cars with the required standards in Israel does not seem economical at the moment. Its absence cuts 25% of the Mini models with gasoline engines sold in Israel, which will remain with the twin Kia Picanto, the old Mitsubishi Space Star and the Toyota Aygo X.

The Toyota Corolla and C-HR, as well as the Renault Grand Coupe, are also produced in Turkey. All the importers are considering continuing to import the cars to Israel through the argument – diverting the cars from Turkey to another European port, and from there to Israel. This is a move that will slightly increase the cost of transportation, but it is not yet clear if it will be possible, depending on the level of strictness of the Turks on the trade ban.

Unlike the C-HR, the Corolla is also manufactured in the USA, for example, and cars with American standards can be imported into Israel. However, such a change also requires a change in the parts supply chain, as well as availability from the factory in Mississippi and will take time.

Meanwhile, two importers have announced price increases in recent days. Delek Motors will increase the price of the Mazda 2 by NIS 4,000, whose price now starts at NIS 120,000, and the CX3 by the same amount, starting at NIS 138,000. Both models are manufactured in Thailand, and their import has become more expensive following the Houthi attacks.

Importer Kia has also raised prices on a number of models imported from South Korea, and they are also now being shipped via a slower and more expensive bypass route around the African continent instead of directly to Eilat via the Red Sea.

The basic Kia Picanto LX, which is sold mainly to leasing companies and on 0 km routes, became more expensive by NIS 1,000 to NIS 100,000. The Kia Stonic 1.4 liter became more expensive by NIS 7,000 to NIS 127,000. The basic Sportage 2,000 cc became more expensive by – NIS 2,000 to NIS 177,000 and Carnival became more expensive by NIS 6,000 to NIS 276,000.