Analysts predict auto sales will continue drastic plunge throughout 2001

Industry experts confirm auto sales will be even lower this year than in 2000. "Customers will buy only 380,000-390,000 new passenger cars," said Adam Kolodziejczyk, head of Ford Distribution. It seems that most car producers and importers share his bleak view. They think that the government's decision that came into force last Saturday banning imports of cars in poor condition was correct, but that it came a year too late. Delaying this moved enabled the import of approximately 360,000 used cars, according to Pawel Kosmala, member of Daewoo FSO management. Producers and importers also anticipate changes in tax policy, including lowered excise tax for new cars and the introduction of more attractive leasing possibilities. (Puls Biznesu, pp.1,7) M.K.