How electromobility will shape Poland’s auto parts market.

Poland’s automotive sector is unusually important for the economy, accounting for 8 per cent of GDP. Over half of this is generated by around 1,000 companies, mainly SMEs, which produce automotive parts and accessories. They employ 80 per cent of workers in the sector, some 150,000 people.

4 Polityka Insight rEVolution behind the scenesPolityka Insight 5rEVolution behind the scenesIntroductionPoland’s automotive sector is unusually important for the economy, accounting for 8 per cent of GDP. Over half of this is generated by around 1,000 companies, mainly SMEs, which produce automotive parts and accessories. They employ 80 per cent of workers in the sector, some 150,000 people. Despite its strong position today, the Polish automotive sector’s place in the Europe-an and global value chain is not uncontested. On the contrary: the automotive sector faces massive changes, which will determine which cars we will drive and how. The four trends of electrification, automation, car-sharing and connected cars will not only affect consumers – today’s drivers and passengers – but also producers of cars and parts.

The current position of manufacturers of auto parts in the Polish economy, combined with their fit condition and the growing market, may give companies the impression that these changes are distant and not worth preparing for. For this reason, the state ought to play a prominent role in the sector’s transformation. With the right combination of regulations, incentives and sanctions, it will stimulate changes in the automotive sector so that Polish companies not only maintain their position on their market, but also improve it. The sooner the sector feels officials’ support, the sooner it will start adapting to the new automotive reality.