The Czech Republic’s automotive industry has witnessed a substantial increase in passenger car production during the first five months of 2021. According to data released by the Association of the Automobile Industry, the country’s car manufacturers produced a total of 595,580 vehicles, marking a significant 23.7% growth compared to the same period in the previous year.

Of the vehicles produced, electric cars accounted for 12% of the total, with car manufacturers producing 52,668 electric vehicles and 20,128 plug-in hybrids. The rise in electric vehicle production reflects the growing demand and interest in sustainable mobility solutions.

Škoda Auto, the largest domestic carmaker, experienced a notable production increase of 34.4%, manufacturing 375,981 cars. Within this figure, 11% of the vehicles produced were electric, indicating Škoda’s commitment to the electric mobility transition. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s Nošovice plant produced 145,200 vehicles, representing a 7.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

The combined production of electric cars and plug-in hybrids accounted for 21% of the total output. Toyota, based in Kolín, witnessed a production growth of 10.9% to reach 74,399 vehicles, with hybrids constituting 53% of the total production.

Zdeněk Petzl, the executive director of the Association of the Automobile Industry, expressed optimism about the industry’s performance, stating that the market’s revival and improvements in supply chains have positively impacted passenger car production. The figures for the first five months of 2021, as well as the month of May, are approaching pre-crisis levels seen in 2019.

However, the bus and motorcycle segments experienced a decline in production. Bus production decreased by 223 vehicles, reaching a total of 1,883 units. The Vysoké Mýto-based Iveco CR produced 1,756 buses, marking a 6.6% decrease compared to the same period last year. SOR Libchavy contributed 119 buses to the production total.

Similarly, motorcycle production saw a decline, primarily due to market saturation caused by the success of the Pérák model in the previous year. Jawa Moto, a renowned motorcycle manufacturer, produced 325 motorcycles during the January to May period, indicating a significant 68% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.

Overall, the Czech Republic’s automotive industry has shown resilience and adaptability, embracing the production of electric vehicles while facing challenges in other segments. The growth in passenger car production signifies a positive trend for the industry and underscores the country’s position as a key player in the European automotive market.

Article by Prague Forum