Brief Introdution to Poland's Auto Industry

Real industrial production rose by 11.8% year on year (in 2005 by 4.1%) especially due to acceleration in manufacturing by 13.4%. One of the highest growth rates was noticed in the manufacturing of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers by 17%. In 2006 Poland produced over 700,000 cars, trucks, and buses, holding a 1.2% share in the worldwide production of passenger cars and a 4% share in the European production of cars.

The majority of firms produce spare parts and accessories, which account for nearly 80% of all enterprises registered in the sector. In 2005, the total direct automotive manufacturing employment amounted to 110.200 jobs, up 17% from the previous year. Nearly 80% of the products manufactured by the Polish automotive industry are exported to other EU countries.

Automotive exports are dominated by passenger cars, spare parts, components and diesel engines. It is estimated that in 2006 the total value of automotive exports achieved around 14 bill €, 16% of total national exports. Germany, Italy, Spain, Great Britain and France constitute the main export markets. Germany is also the biggest buyer of Polish automotive components (over 40%), followed by Italy, France, Belgium and the Czech Republic.

Poland is a leading manufacturer of components, such as tires, car seats and upholstery, car electronics, electric cables, car brake's systems. Components manufactured in Poland are installed in cars of many brands, such as Mercedes, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Fiat, Citroen, Honda, Peugeot, Volvo, BMW, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Ferrari.