Automotive market analysis in Poland
According to PZPM, the Polish Automotive Industry Association, and KPMG, 597,400 new passenger cars were registered in Poland in 2025, 8.3% more than a year earlier. Including vans, the total was 667,600 vehicles, the highest on record. The market is still growing in 2026: registrations rose by 10% in January–September. This brief brings together data on registrations and brands, electric and hybrid cars, the age of the car fleet, used car imports, production and exports. It also explains how new EU rules will affect the market.
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How big is the new car market in Poland?
According to PZPM and KPMG, 597,400 new passenger cars (+8.3%) and 70,200 vans (+4.9%) were registered in Poland in 2025. The combined 667,600 vehicles are the best result on record, beating the previous record from 1999.
Most new cars in Poland are bought by companies. In 2025 institutional buyers registered 411,300 new passenger cars (+9.3%) and private buyers 186,100 (+6.3%). This means more than two thirds of new cars go to businesses, including leasing and rental companies (KPMG and PZPM, 2026).
Growth continues in 2026. According to PZPM, 470,497 new passenger cars were registered in January–September 2026, 10% (42,589 units) more than a year earlier. Van registrations (up to 3.5 t) reached 55,403 (+12.7%). In September 2026 car registrations were 56,354 (+13%). According to PZPM, this was the highest September result since 2005.
Toyota is still the market leader, but its share is falling. In January–September 2026 it held 13.9% of the market, 2.1 percentage points less than a year earlier. Volkswagen is growing fastest among the top five (+17.3%). The most registered models were the Toyota Corolla (18,298), Skoda Octavia (16,076) and Kia Sportage (12,359).
Chinese brands are also gaining ground. According to KPMG, in Q1 2026 two Chinese brands entered Poland’s top ten for the first time.
| Indicator | Units | Change y/y |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars, 2025 | 597,428 | +8.3% |
| of which institutional buyers, 2025 | 411,300 | +9.3% |
| of which private buyers, 2025 | 186,100 | +6.3% |
| Vans up to 3.5 t, 2025 | 70,200 | +4.9% |
| Passenger cars, January–September 2026 | 470,497 | +10.0% |
| Vans up to 3.5 t, January–September 2026 | 55,403 | +12.7% |
| Brand | Registrations (units) | Change y/y | Market share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 65,458 | −4.6% | 13.9% |
| Skoda | 49,268 | +8.2% | 10.5% |
| Volkswagen | 36,137 | +17.3% | 7.7% |
| BMW | 24,389 | +8.2% | 5.2% |
| Kia | 23,914 | +2.4% | 5.1% |
For foreign suppliers: fleet and leasing companies buy more than two thirds of new cars in Poland. For a component, accessory or service supplier, the route to volume runs through importers, dealer groups and fleet operators rather than private buyers.
02
How fast are electric and hybrid car sales growing in Poland?
According to PZPM, 43,311 new battery electric cars (BEV) were registered in Poland in 2025, 161.5% more than a year earlier. In 2026 their sales fell (−4.4% in January–September), while hybrids grew fast, especially plug-in hybrids (+86.3%).
In 2025 cars with alternative drives, meaning electric and hybrid, made up 58.7% of new passenger car registrations (350,537 units). BEVs had 7.2% of the market and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) 5.7%. Hybrids were the largest group: full hybrids (HEV) and mild hybrids (MHEV) together held 45.7% (PZPM, 2026).
EV sales were driven by the government subsidy scheme NaszEauto, launched in February 2025. At that point BEVs had 3.7% of the market; by December 2025 they had 11.3%. According to the National Fund for Environmental Protection (NFOŚiGW), the scheme’s budget ran out on 27 January 2026. Applications were accepted until 30 April 2026, and 42,170 were filed (GLOBEnergia, 2026).
Once the subsidies ran out, EV sales fell. In January–September 2026, 24,404 new BEVs were registered, 4.4% fewer than a year earlier. September alone saw a 21.9% fall, the fifth monthly decline in a row. PZPM links it to the lack of government subsidies. Over the same period plug-in hybrid registrations grew by 86.3% to 40,796.
BEVs hold about 5.2% of Poland’s new car market in 2026. Across the EU their share was 21.7% in January–August 2026 (ACEA, 2026). Pure combustion cars are losing ground: petrol fell from 29.6% to 27.7% of the market, and diesel from 7.4% to 5.9%.
The EV fleet and the charging network are growing. According to the Electromobility Counter by PZPM and PSNM, at the end of July 2026 Poland had 145,251 registered battery electric passenger cars and 157,095 plug-in hybrids. There were 13,454 public charging points, 50.2% of them fast DC points. In 2025, 3,972 charging points were added (+46%), including 454 rated above 300 kW (PZPM, 2026).
| Drive type | 2025 (units) | January–September 2026 (units) | Change y/y, January–September 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild hybrid (MHEV) | 144,374 | 118,984 | +6.9% |
| Full hybrid (HEV) | 128,594 | 115,156 | +17.1% |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | 34,137 | 40,796 | +86.3% |
| Battery electric (BEV) | 43,311 | 24,404 | −4.4% |
| Indicator | Number |
|---|---|
| Battery electric passenger cars (BEV) | 145,251 |
| Plug-in hybrid passenger cars (PHEV) | 157,095 |
| Battery electric cars and vans (BEV), total | 158,365 |
| Public charging points | 13,454 |
| of which fast DC points | 6,751 |
For foreign suppliers: EV demand in Poland depends heavily on subsidies, while hybrid demand does not. If you supply EV-specific parts or charging equipment, plan for volatile volumes. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid components have the steadier demand.
03
How many cars are on Polish roads, and how old are they?
According to ACEA, Poland had 20.5 million registered passenger cars in 2024, or 560 per 1,000 inhabitants. Their average age was 15.2 years, 2.5 years above the EU average (12.7 years).
The number of passenger cars in Poland is growing: by 2.3% in 2024. Its motorisation rate (560 cars per 1,000 inhabitants) is now close to the EU average (570).
Polish cars are old, though. According to ACEA, the average passenger car was 15.2 years old in 2024. CEPiK data quoted by elektromobilni.pl put it at 15.3 years at the end of 2025. In 2025, 585,562 passenger cars were deregistered, about 30% more than a year earlier. They were on average 22.4 years old and had covered 263,400 km.
The fleet mix differs from the EU’s. In Poland 12.0% of passenger cars run on LPG, against 2.7% in the EU. Battery electric cars are 0.4% of the Polish fleet, against 2.3% in the EU. Hybrids make up 2.5%, half the EU average.
| Indicator | Poland | EU |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars (million) | 20.5 | 256.0 |
| Passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants | 560 | 570 |
| Average age (years) | 15.2 | 12.7 |
| Petrol cars (% share) | 44.3 | 49.2 |
| Diesel cars (% share) | 38.3 | 38.4 |
| LPG cars (% share) | 12.0 | 2.7 |
| Full hybrids, HEV (% share) | 2.5 | 5.0 |
| Battery electric cars, BEV (% share) | 0.4 | 2.3 |
| Plug-in hybrids (% share) | 0.3 | 1.4 |
Why the figures differ: older texts quoted more than 25 million passenger cars in Poland (Statistics Poland, 2020). In June 2024 the Ministry of Digital Affairs cleaned up the central vehicle register and deregistered 7.15 million vehicles that had had no roadworthiness test and no third-party insurance for at least 10 years. Figures from before and after 2024 are therefore not comparable.
For foreign suppliers: an old fleet with a large LPG share means steady demand for spare parts, repairs and LPG systems. The aftermarket is a larger and more stable opportunity than new car sales alone.
04
How many used cars does Poland import?
According to IBRM Samar, Poland imported 478,453 used passenger cars in January–July 2026, 7.1% fewer than a year earlier. In the 12 months to the end of July 2026 the figure was 909,400.
Used car imports are still larger than new car sales. Each year Poles import about 900,000 used cars and buy about 600,000 new ones.
Imports are falling, however. On a 12-month basis they were 971,100 cars in mid-2025 and 909,400 in July 2026. In April 2026, 79,855 used cars and vans were imported, the lowest monthly figure in three years and the seventh monthly fall in a row (Samar, via Auto Świat, 2026). Imported cars are younger than the fleet already on Polish roads: in May 2026 they were on average 12.25 years old.
Most used cars come from Germany: 277,371 in January–July 2026, or 58% of all imports. Imports from the USA are rising (+6.8%, 46,572 units). Poland also imported 53,569 used vans (−4.7%).
| Country | Units | Change y/y |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 277,371 | −6.4% |
| France | 56,020 | n/a |
| USA | 46,572 | +6.8% |
| Belgium | 33,238 | n/a |
| Netherlands | 26,231 | n/a |
| Total | 478,453 | −7.1% |
For foreign suppliers: most imported cars are 10–15-year-old German models. Parts and service offers built around these models reach a large and well-defined group of Polish car owners.
05
How many vehicles does Poland produce and export?
According to Statistics Poland (GUS), 291,900 passenger cars were produced in Poland in 2025, 7.4% fewer than in 2024. Almost two thirds of them (189,500) had a hybrid or electric drive, up from less than a third a year earlier.
Polish plants are moving fast to new drive types. Cars with drives other than combustion-only made up 6% of passenger car output in 2023, 31% in 2024 and 65% in 2025. Output of combustion-only cars fell from 299,300 in 2023 to 102,400 in 2025 (GUS, via PZPM, 2026).
Commercial vehicle output also fell. In 2025 Poland produced 300,129 vans and trucks, including truck tractors (−9.6%), and 6,247 buses (−12.2%).
The largest car and van plants belong to Volkswagen and Stellantis. Volkswagen Poznań produced more than 236,000 vehicles in 2025, 13% fewer than in 2024. The Poznań plant built almost 103,000 Caddys, and the Września plant almost 101,000 Crafter and MAN TGE vans (PAP, 2026). Since 2023 the Stellantis plant in Tychy has built three small SUVs: the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600 and Alfa Romeo Junior. The 500,000th of them left the line in July 2026. The models come in petrol, hybrid and electric versions (Autocentrum, 2026). LG Energy Solution makes LFP cells for energy storage at its plant near Wrocław (Herald Corp, 2026).
Most of the industry’s exports are parts, not cars. According to a report by AutomotiveSuppliers.pl based on GUS data, automotive exports were €43.8 bn in 2025 (−3.73%). Parts and accessories accounted for €17.88 bn, more than 40% of the total, and were the only group to grow (+1.07%). Passenger car exports were €6.73 bn, and exports of goods vehicles €6.63 bn (−9.24%). Employment in the industry fell by 1.4% to 197,700 full-time jobs (Interia, 2026).
| Indicator | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars, all drive types (thousand units) | 319.2 | 315.3 | 291.9 |
| of which combustion engine only (thousand units) | 299.3 | 216.2 | 102.4 |
| of which other drive types (thousand units) | 19.9 | 99.1 | 189.5 |
| Vans and trucks, incl. truck tractors (units) | 308,458 | 332,043 | 300,129 |
| Buses (units) | 5,124 | 7,113 | 6,247 |
| Group | Value (€ bn) | Change y/y |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive industry, total | 43.8 | −3.73% |
| Parts and accessories | 17.88 | +1.07% |
| Passenger cars | 6.73 | +0.25% |
| Goods vehicles | 6.63 | −9.24% |
For foreign investors: Poland is above all a parts and components base, and its car plants are switching quickly to hybrid and electric models. Suppliers of components for new drive types will find customers already producing in the country.
06
How will EU rules and taxes change the automotive market in Poland?
Under Regulation (EU) 2023/851, which is in force, new passenger cars sold in the EU must have zero CO2 emissions from 2035. In December 2025 the European Commission proposed lowering this target to 90%. According to the Council of the EU, the European Parliament plenary vote is planned for November 2026.
CO2 targets. Manufacturers must cut average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars by 55% in 2030–2034 and by 100% from 2035, compared with 2021. For vans the 2030 target is 50%. In 2025 the EU gave manufacturers more time: compliance for 2025–2027 is assessed as a three-year average rather than year by year (Regulation (EU) 2025/1214).
The December 2025 proposal. On 16 December 2025 the European Commission proposed lowering the 2035 target from 100% to 90%, and the 2030 target for vans from 50% to 40%. The proposal also adds new flexibilities: compliance for 2030–2032 would be assessed jointly, small EVs made in the EU would earn extra credits until 2034, and from 2035 manufacturers could earn credits for renewable fuels and low-carbon steel made in the EU. According to a Council progress report of 15 June 2026, member states have not yet agreed a common position.
Euro 7. The new emission standard (Regulation (EU) 2024/1257) applies to new types of cars and vans from 29 November 2026 and to all new vehicles from 29 November 2027. For the first time it also covers brake and tyre particles and battery durability in electric cars.
Taxes and subsidies in Poland. From 1 January 2026 the amount a company can deduct as a cost for a combustion car fell from PLN 150,000 to PLN 100,000. For electric cars the limit is PLN 225,000 (KPMG and PZPM, 2026). Applications for NaszEauto EV subsidies closed on 30 April 2026.
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 2025–2027 | Manufacturers’ CO₂ target assessed as a three-year average |
| 1 January 2026 | Tax-deductible cost limit for a company combustion car: PLN 100,000 instead of PLN 150,000 |
| 30 April 2026 | NaszEauto EV subsidy applications close |
| November 2026 | Planned European Parliament vote on the 2035 target |
| 29 November 2026 | Euro 7 applies to new types of cars and vans |
| 29 November 2027 | Euro 7 applies to all new cars and vans |
| 2030 | CO₂ target for new passenger cars: −55% vs 2021 |
| 2035 | CO₂ target: −100% (European Commission proposal: −90%) |
For foreign suppliers: Euro 7 and the open debate on the 2035 target mean model plans may shift in 2026–2027. Suppliers to car makers in Poland should expect changes to model ranges and drive types, not a single date when combustion engines disappear.
07
What is the outlook for the automotive market in Poland in 2026–2027?
According to PZPM, new passenger car registrations rose by 10% in January–September 2026. If the last quarter of 2026 matches the same quarter of 2025, the full year will end at about 640,000 cars, about 7% above the record 2025 (MarketHub calculation).
The market is growing faster than analysts expected. At the start of 2026 KPMG and PZPM expected a slower start to the year and a correction in EV sales after NaszEauto ended. The EV correction came, but the market as a whole sped up, from 6.7% growth in Q1 to 10% by September. EU registrations grew more slowly, by 5.3% in January–August 2026 (ACEA).
Four factors matter most for 2026–2027:
EV subsidies: without a new scheme, BEV sales are likely to stay below their 2025 level, while hybrids keep growing;
company fleets: the lower tax limit for combustion cars from 2026 is shifting company purchases towards plug-in hybrids and EVs;
EU rules: the decision on the 2035 target and the start of Euro 7 will affect model ranges and new car prices;
Chinese brands: they are growing in Poland and across Europe and adding price competition.
PZPM and KPMG do not publish a numerical registration forecast for 2026–2027 in their free materials, so we do not quote one.
| Period | 2025 (units) | 2026 (units) | Change y/y |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | n/a | 151,600 | +6.7% |
| January–September | 427,908 | 470,497 | +10.0% |
| Full year | 597,428 | approx. 640,000 | approx. +7% |
For foreign suppliers and investors: Poland is one of the few large EU car markets still setting records in 2026. Demand is led by companies and hybrids, so plan for fleet customers first.
This text is not a full market analysis of the kind we carry out for our clients. It contains only selected information about the market, which we can expand on request.
MarketHub expert comment
“In practice the Polish automotive market is two markets. New cars, bought mostly by companies, are breaking records. Alongside them is a fleet with an average age of more than 15 years, and about 900,000 used cars imported every year. For a supplier of parts, servicing or financing, these are two different sales channels, and each needs a different offer. On drive types, the 2026 data are clear: without subsidies EV sales are falling, while hybrids are growing, especially plug-in hybrids in company fleets. If you are planning to enter the Polish market, build your plan on hybrids and fleets, and treat EV sales as dependent on subsidy policy. For investors there is one more signal: Polish plants are moving quickly to new drive types, and parts exports are clearly larger than car exports. I see the biggest opportunities in components for new drive types and in servicing an ageing fleet.”
Author: Luiza Rach · Updated by: Rafał Wiśniewski, 17 October 2026
Sources:
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Source: MarketHub, “Automotive market analysis in Poland”, markethub.pl, updated 10.2026