As the leading automaker in Poland Fiat has produced 118,196 units in the year-to-March, which is an increase of over 30 percent from last year, driven by Europe-wide growing demand for the new Fiat 500.

In the year-to-March period, Poland's car and van output reached a combined 267,947 units, rising by over 25% year-over-year. In March alone, the supply was 91,956, for a 3.5% increase month-over-month and up by roughly 19% from the year.

As the leading automaker in Poland Fiat has produced 118,196 units in the year-to-March, which is an increase of over 30 percent from last year, a result which has been driven by European-wide growing demand for the new Fiat 500.

Fiat led the way during the first quarter ahead of Opel with 56,642 (+14 pct), Volkswagen with 50,780 (+21 pct) and FSO with 42,329 (+35 pct). Of the overall supply, less than 3 percent of production was distributed locally (7,460 units), with the remaining 260,487 going to export markets.

In March, Poland's car output totalled 80,335 units (+20.6 pct). On a cumulative basis though, the tally was 232,180, rising 25.3 pct year-over-year. As the leading car producer Fiat was up 27.5 pct, securing a 47.5 pct market share. As well as the 500, which Fiat hopes to expand production up to nearly 200,000 units this year, the A-segment Panda continues to hold onto its market share. The company led the way ahead of Opel with 56,642 cars made, FSO with 42,329, and Volkswagen Poznan with 22,889.

In March, Poland's van output totalled 11,621 units (-5.9 pct). On a cumulative basis, the tally was 35,767, a 25.6 pct increase from the year. As the country's leading van maker, Volkswagen Poznan built 27,891 vehicles for a 15.5 pct hike, securing a 78% market share. Ranked second overall, Fiat Auto Poland made 7,876 vans at its Tychy site (+84 pct), a move that saw the company boost its market share from 15 pct to 22 pct.

Report: Samar