IntelliNews - Polish Automotive Sector Report - February 2012

Additional Information

Poland is the second largest car producer in the CEE region. The country has emerged as an important location for bus, car engine and automotive components production. Its advantages are the relatively low production costs, availability of qualified labour force, easy access to the European markets and good quality of products. Polish automotive industry sells nearly all of its output abroad. That is why local producers are heavily dependent on external demand. According to preliminary estimates, Polish automotive exports reached a record-high of EUR 19bn in 2011. However, the future might look pretty challenging for the local automotive sector. The main obstacle is the overwhelming uncertainty in Western Europe, the country’s largest export market. Among the local factors that may add pressure on producers are the rising wage costs. Local market sentiment will depend on the global economic environment and on the government’s tax decisions. Should any major turbulence appear, registrations will remain at the same level as in 2011.