Iwona Konieczna What’s new in the automotive world? An analysis of the latest solutions of the largest automotive brands – Q2 2023
Table of contents
Number of registered cars in Poland
The first half of 2023 saw a significant increase in new car registrations in Poland. Particularly noteworthy is the market for premium brands, which is growing at a dizzying pace – an increase of as much as 24% compared to the previous year. On the other hand, popular brands have maintained last year’s level, only slightly decreasing (-0.3%). As for the type of drive, sales of petrol cars dominate, and account for 43% of the market. Nevertheless, the automotive trend indicates a dynamic development of the market for cars powered by alternative energy sources, and in particular electric cars – an impressive 84% increase was recorded here compared to the previous year.
In June 2023, the number of registered passenger cars and vans in Poland reached 47 616, which is 5.6% higher than in June last year. In total, since the beginning of 2023, car registrations in Poland amounted to 270 214 cars and vans, which is an increase of 10.8% compared to the first half of 2022.
Passenger car registrations in Poland – the most popular models 2023
At the beginning of July, the Polish Automotive Industry Association presented a report on the condition of the automotive industry in Poland. The data looks optimistic, pointing to increases in virtually every automotive sector. Below is a list of the 10 most popular passenger cars in Poland in the first half of 2023, with Toyota spearheading the way.
- Toyota Corolla – 10 536 units
- Toyota Yaris – 8 224 units
- Skoda Octavia – 7 694 units
- Toyota Yaris Cross – 7 256 units
- Kia Sportage – 6 170 units
- Dacia Duster – 5 174 units
- Toyota C-HR – 5 016 units
- Hyundai Tucson – 4 707 units
- Volkswagen T-Roc – 4 168 units
The most popular car brands in Europe – Q2 2023
Who would have expected Tesla to become the best-selling car in Europe? We are witnessing the electrification of the automotive industry on a global scale. According to data presented by the Automotive News Europe magazine, based on Dataforce, the most popular car models in Europe in the first half of 2023 were:
- Tesla Model Y – 125 144 units (increase by 211.7%)
- Dacia Sandero – 118 883 units (increase by 25.9%)
- Volkswagen T-Roc – 107 249 units (increase by 30.2%)
- Opel Corsa – 102 082 units (increase by 18.1% compared to last year)
- Peugeot 208 – 101 151 units (decrease by 5.1%)
- Renault Clio – 96 135 units (increase by 43.3%)
- Toyota Yaris Cross – 90 135 units (increase by 48.4%)
- Volkswagen Tiguan – 88 020 units (increase by 46.1%)
- Volkswagen Golf – 85 730 units (decrease by 1.3%)
- Dacia Duster – 82 813 units (increase by 19.5%)
Current trends in the automotive industry
The automotive industry is currently facing challenges related to EU regulations and the technological revolution. Vehicles are becoming more and more digital and intelligent. In the past, the issue of minimizing the effects of potential collisions and accidents was crucial from a safety point of view. Currently, the emphasis is on technologies aimed at preventing dangerous situations on roads. Thus, more and more new vehicles are equipped with ADAS systems as they leave the factory, such as Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keeping Assist.
The ISA system – security at the expense of freedom
One of the controversial automotive trends is the ISA system. It consists of several levels. First, it analyses road signs in terms of the speed limit applicable on a given road. Secondly, it automatically adjusts the speed of the vehicle to the applicable speed limit. It takes into account both the speedometer readings and the vehicle speed based on the GPS system. The introduction of the ISA is controversial among motor enthusiasts, who see it as a significant restriction of their freedom. However, there are many indications that over the course of several years it will required in all new cars.
Electric cars are conquering Poland and Europe
In 2023, there has been a significant increase in interest in electric vehicles. In just five months, the number of registered electric cars – both passenger and vans – has increased by an impressive 71% compared to the same period last year. Such an increase would probably be impossible without the “My electrician” program, which has proved very popular among Poles. We are still not at the level of Europe overall, but we are not far behind the most developed Western countries.
Stability in the used car market
After the turbulences of 2022, which was characterized by dynamic price changes, 2023 has brought about stability in this respect. Information from AUTO1 Group, a leading European wholesaler of used cars, indicates that after the peak prices of July 2022, this year finally has brought about more predictability. For all those who have held off on buying a used car, this may be the moment to act.
Summary – Q2 2023 report in the automotive industry
2023 brought with it many changes to the automotive market. The growing number of car registrations, especially those with an electric drive, and the dynamic development of technologies show that the future of the automotive industry is exciting. Is Polish infrastructure ready for electric cars though? The number of electric charging stations in Poland is really low. Moreover, most fire brigades have not undergone specialist training in extinguishing electric vehicle fires. The Polish energy system also ignites controversy. Over 62% of electricity in Poland is produced from hard coal and lignite. Before we focus on the electrification of vehicles, we need to take two steps back and adapt our infrastructure to better accommodate it.
