The Polish automotive market was not resilient to the global economic crisis in 2012, when falling external and domestic demand impacted downward on output, domestic sales and exports. The production of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles dropped by 23% y/y in 2012 and the decline sharpened towards year end, as major producers downsized output in order to adjust to shrinking external demand, according to market data. Passenger car and LCV production further declined by over 22.7% y/y in January 2013 and is expected to follow the same tendency this year, as demand in Western Europe continues shrinking.
Since the Polish automotive sector is export-oriented, the prospects for the future are linked to developments in European markets. On the upside, as demand from its main partners, Germany and UK, is less vulnerable to abrupt changes, the Polish market remains stable and continues to attract investments in the sector.
Figure 1 Motor vehicle production in 2002-2012 (thou units, annually)
Figure 2 Production of passenger cars in 2008-2012 (thou pieces, annually)
Much more in the Intellinews report: Polish Automotive Sector
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