Czech automotive output downtrend softens further

Czech automotive output declined -3.7% on-year in the first quarter – versus -7.7% in January-February – to 364,826 units, according to the latest Czech Automotive Industry Association (AIA) data seen by Kallanish.

The Czech Republic is Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)’s largest car manufacturer, sourcing automotive steel from US Steel Kosice (USSK) and ArcelorMittal among other suppliers, and producing most cars for export.

Production mainly consists of passenger and light commercial vehicles (M1+N1), whose output declined -3.8% in Q1 to 363,052 vehicles. Skoda comprised 63.7% of output, Hyundai 20.11% and Toyota, Peugeot, Citroen (TPCA) 16.19%.

Passenger car exports in Q1 fell -3.1% to 338,812 units and local sales slumped -12.1% to 25,274 vehicles.

Czech production of buses, however, rose 6.7% in Q1 to 1,185 units.