The changing role of Poland in the European automotive industry

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role and position of Poland in the European production network, where the automobile industry is undergoing spatial expansion and upgrading. In the analysis of the automobile industry, Central and Eastern Europe is positioned as a periphery of Western Europe, and has many common factors in terms of growth after the transition to a market economy system. On the other hand, there are signifi cant differences in the growth process of the automobile industry in the four Central European countries. In the case of Poland, the continuation of the production system under the socialism economic system, the transformation of the fi nished vehicle production situation due to the change in the relationship with FIAT, and the acquisition of a role as a production base for engines and components in the European region can be seen. In terms of the production network, Poland has been integrated into a wider network in Europe and connected to a multilayered supply-chain as multinational automakers have changed their strategies in Central and Eastern Europe. Poland has also been producing EVs and other next-generation automotive products and receiving investment in them in recent years, which has led to the entry of new companies, signifi cant changes in production networks, and new developments such as state-owned companies leading domestic EV projects. Trade has also been expanding in line with the expansion of production, indicating an export-oriented industrial structure. There has also been a deepening of supply relationships within Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in the area of parts, and it has become clear that there has been a remarkable expansion of exports of fi nished vehicles and parts to Central European countries.