Czech Car Makers Bounce Back from Global Downturn

Czech car makers have posted a robust recovery, with output rising by one-third in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period a year ago. The growth was driven by higher production at all major passenger car producers, including Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Toyota's joint venture with PSA Peugeot-Citroen. The industry association cited Volkswagen's Skoda Auto, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech, and TPCA Czech as key contributors to the increase.

Key Takeaways:

• Passenger and light utility vehicle production grew 29.6% to 265,985 units in the first quarter of 2010.
• Volkswagen's Skoda Auto increased production by 37.6% year-on-year to 134,853 units.
• Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech raised output by 110% to 42,000 units.
• TPCA Czech, a joint venture of Toyota and PSA Peugeot-Citroen, increased production by 2.16% to 89,132 units.
• Overall motor vehicle production rose 29.1% over a year ago to 267,040 units in the first quarter.
• Lorry output grew by 19.4%, while bus production fell by 49.4% and motorbike output declined by 42.6%.
• In 2009, Czech car makers bucked the global crisis, raising full-year output by 2.85% to 975,111 cars.

Statistics:

• 29.6% growth in passenger and light utility vehicle production in the first quarter of 2010.
• 37.6% increase in Skoda Auto's production year-on-year to 134,853 units.
• 110% rise in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech's output to 42,000 units.
• 29.1% growth in overall motor vehicle production over a year ago to 267,040 units.
• 2.85% growth in full-year output in 2009 to 975,111 cars.
• 19.4% increase in lorry output.
• 49.4% decline in bus production.
• 42.6% decrease in motorbike output.

Sources:

• Automotive Industry Association
• Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.
• Syndigate.info
• Albawaba.com