About the Report
CEE countries have played an increasingly vital role within the EU's automotive sector. These nations have become key manufacturing hubs, attracting significant foreign direct investment due to competitive labour costs and strategic locations. For instance, according to the IMF, in 2023, the automotive sector accounted for approximately 10% of the Czech Republic's GDP, the highest share among EU member states.
The macroeconomic landscape of 2023 and 2024 presented both opportunities and challenges for the automotive industry in the region. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), while global car sales increased modestly by 2.5% y/y in 2024, to 74.6mn units, the EU's car market grew by only 0.8% y/y, indicating a sluggish performance. However, according to the Polish Economic Institute, CEE countries such as Poland and Czech Republic bucked this trend, with battery manufacturing fuelling growth in Poland, while Czech manufacturers benefited from the stabilisation of supply chains and increased demand in both domestic and export markets.
Report Content
- Regional Overview: CEE’s role in European production and sales, and how 2023–2024 macroeconomic conditions influenced the industry.
- Production: Detailed breakdown by vehicle category — passenger cars, light commercial, and heavy trucks — alongside CEE’s share in total EU output.
- Sales: Insights into motor vehicle sales across the region and preferred brands, including the growing role of electric vehicles.
- EU Policy: Impact of European policy initiatives on the sector’s future trajectory.
- Economic Indicators: Main trends shaping the industry, from output and employment to external trade.
- Investment and Market Players: Analysis of the competitive landscape, key companies by revenue and profits, and main opportunities for growth.
- Country Profiles: Sector snapshots for each CEE country Poland, Romania, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Croatia covering production, sales, charging infrastructure EVs, and outlook.
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