All of 2012 saw just shy of 636,000 cars and trucks roll out from Polish factories, which represents a 23 percent drop compared to 2011 and the lowest amount since 2005. In December, production reached 38,100 automobiles, a 33-percent drop year-on-year according to Samar.

Experts believe the troubles of the sector will be felt by the broader economy. “The decline in car production in 2012 could result in the reduction of Polish GDP by 0.6-0.7 percent,” said Ernest Pytlarczyk, chief economist at BRE Bank.

Poland A.M.