In the latest report from AutomotiveSuppliers.pl covering the first three quarters of 2024, titled 'Germany: Automotive Industry in Deep Crisis,' data reveals a significant slowdown in the automotive sector. Recent years have been fraught with challenges, particularly in logistics, which has disproportionately affected an industry highly sensitive to disruptions. In response to these difficulties, the automotive sector has focused on building resilience within its supply chains, a strategy crucial in the current market conditions.
In Poland, the sold production of the automotive industry, including the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers (PKD 29), reached a value of PLN 166.2 billion in 2024, representing a nominal increase of 1.9% compared to the previous year. However, as highlighted by Rafal Orlowski from AutomotiveSuppliers.pl, a methodological adjustment suggests a decline of 4.7%.
The most significant contributors to the industry are producers of parts and accessories, whose sales amounted to PLN 87.3 billion, reflecting a 1.8% growth. Nevertheless, the export of the entire automotive sector dropped by 19.44%, reaching €37.56 billion. Germany remains the most important market for Polish products, although exports to this country declined by 9.84%. A notable exception is the segment of parts and accessories, which recorded export growth of 3.66%, achieving a record €13.2 billion, accounting for 38.72% of the industry’s total exports.
The export of parts and accessories, largely based on plastics, underscores the critical role of these materials in the automotive industry. Their lightweight nature, durability, and recyclability make plastics indispensable for producing components such as bumpers, engine housings, and vehicle interiors. Their importance is also growing in the context of electric vehicles, where they are used to reduce weight and improve energy efficiency. However, the over 50% drop in the export of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles highlights the sensitivity of this sector to changes in demand.
The report also highlights a clear downward trend in employment. The average number of employees in facilities with more than nine workers was 201,000, marking a 0.2% decline compared to 2023. The largest job cuts were seen among producers of vehicles and engines, where employment fell by 2.2%. The decreasing employment figures underscore the need for investments in technologies that can enhance production efficiency while maintaining market competitiveness.
Despite declines in key areas, the growing export of parts and accessories, often based on polymer materials, indicates the potential of the plastics sector in building a competitive edge. Investments in developing plastics processing technologies, such as composites or innovative recycling solutions, could play a crucial role in the future of the industry. Thanks to their unique properties, plastics form the foundation of the modern automotive industry, enabling it to address both technological and environmental challenges.