Poland is an ancient country, born again in the 1990. A progressive liberalization pursued in the economic policy created one of strongest economy in East Europe, the only able to avoid recession during 2008 global financial crisis (2009 GDP at 1.9). Joining EU in 2004 gave access to EU structural funds with a fast development of industrial and service economy, with GDP growing at 3.8 in 2010 and 2011, well ahead of EU average.
However Unemployment rate at 12 and inflation rate at 4.0 remain higher than EU average. Future development have to face limits in the infrastructure network, not yet adequate to a country positioned in the core of new economy pathway, between Berlin and Moscow.
In April, sales statistics confirmed that the car market in Poland is resisting from downturn pressure received by negative economic. The market was flat from April 2012. While top of ranking brands had lost share, Renault, Mercedes and Honda grew up.
Polish car market was stable again in March, when sales slipped 3.5% from last year, keeping the year-to-date performance positive by a little 1.7%. Toyota Yaris advanced as market leader pushing Toyota in third place. Good performance for Fiat, Mercedes and Mazda.
In February 2013, the car market in Poland was up 0.9% from last year, confirming the already positive year start shown in January. Following the strong January performance, Skoda was back at a usual performance, while Ford gained share and Opel lost.
In January, the Poland car market was up 7.8% from last year, driven by an outstanding performance posted by the market leader, Skoda, able to surge above 15% of market share, with the Fabia surged on the throne.
In Poland the car market outlook is deteriorating and in spite of a positive start, 2012 ended slipping 1.5% from 2011. December was almost negative, losing 22.9% and next month's forecast are down. In December Hyundai posted a record share at 7.3%
November was the 6th consecutive declining month in Poland with sales down 7% from last year. Year-to-date sales were up 1%. Opel jumped in second place, thanks to the Astra and Corsa performance, both placing on podium.
Posting the 5h year-on-year decline in a string, the October car market was again negative in Poland. Sales were down 2.3% from last year reducing the year-to-date gain at only 1.7%. Skoda was the leader ahead of Volkswagen. The Skoda Octavia was the best-selling model.
The car market in Poland posted the second consecutive decline in July with 20.898 sales, down 9.7% from last year, after a positive first half, closed with 150.000 sales, up 7.5%. Year to date sales in July were 171.448, up 5.1% from last year.
Poland economy is the strongest in Europe this year and the car industry is actively contributing to the GDP performance, with increased sales, production and export. YTD May, domestic market registered 125.799 sales, up 5.9%.
Opening a manufacturing plant in the 1930s, Fiat started up the Poland automotive sector. Low labor costs for high qualified personnel, growing infrastructures and a geographical position in the center of the European continent allow Poland to be one of the most attractive European countries for global automotive manufacturers.