BMW expands sourcing its parts and sales in Poland

The list of Polish subcontractors of automotive concern BMW is expanding and the firm spent zł.1.3 billion on buying components in 2007 from Polish suppliers. "Our sales in Poland stood at zł.500 million in 2007 [...]," said Marco Saltalamacchia, head of sales of BMW for Europe.

Purchases rose 26% in 2007 and, "Currently we have 38 main suppliers here and the list keeps on growing," said the director. Last year, German automotive companies boosted the value of components and engines purchased in Poland by 19% to top euro 3.1 billion.

The Polish chain of suppliers comprises of 650 firms, of which 200 have certificates ensuring that they deliver the highest quality parts. However, the proportions might change in the future as, "I perceive Poland as the second Spain, where we sell 50,000 cars annually. Poland, in which the figure stands at 4,000, will also reach this level," said the head of BMW's sales.

Within 10 years the firm intends to double the number of its dealers and to this end it has begun negotiations with potential dealers in numerous cities. (Puls Biznesu, p.7) M.M.