Automotive exports surge, cars to $1 billion, diesel engines to $783 million

The export of cars and diesel engines skyrocketed in the first three quarters of 2000, with car exports reaching $1 billion and diesel engines sold abroad generating revenues of $783 million, a figure 45 times greater than in 1999. As Fiat and GM plan to start production of diesel engines in Poland, their export value may soon exceed that of autos. This increase in exports has also contributed to a rise in imports of car components, which increased from $91 million to $313 million compared to 1999. The foreign trade deficit in the automotive industry decreased by $600 million and amounted to $1.071 billion, primarily because car makers are now producing cars rather than assembling them. (Gazeta Wyborcza, pp.1, 22)