Strong Start to the Year: Czech Republic’s Automotive Industry with Production Record in the First Quarter of 2026

The automotive industry in the Czech Republic has started 2026 with a significant increase. In the first quarter, production reached a new record level, driven primarily by strong demand for passenger cars and electrified drivetrains.

Between January and March, a total of 403,315 vehicles were produced in domestic plants – an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Passenger cars accounted for the largest share with 396,880 units, followed by 1,442 buses, 408 lorries, 385 motorcycles, as well as 4,200 trailers and semi-trailers. Already, 40 per cent of the vehicles produced featured an electrified drivetrain – including 65,809 fully electric cars, 13,453 plug-in hybrids and 83,542 hybrid vehicles.

“Despite growing geopolitical uncertainties and a subdued start to the year on European markets, the Czech automotive industry remains strong and stable,” said Martin Jahn, President of the industry association. At the same time, he pointed to rising costs resulting from global developments, particularly in energy, raw materials and logistics.

Foto: Škoda Auto

Passenger Car Production Increases – Exports Dominate

Passenger car production rose by 8.3 per cent in the first quarter. A total of 396,880 vehicles were manufactured – more than ever before in a first quarter. The share of electrified models stood at 41 per cent.

Exports continue to be the central sales channel: more than 93 per cent of the vehicles produced (369,197 units) were shipped abroad, corresponding to an increase of 8.5 per cent. On the domestic market, 27,683 vehicles were sold, up 5.8 per cent.

The largest manufacturer remains Škoda Auto with 267,544 vehicles produced (+13.1%). Of these, 244,047 were exported, while 23,497 remained on the domestic market. The share of vehicles with an external charging connection is particularly high: 67,536 units were battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. Among the most produced models in March were Octavia, Elroq and Kamiq.

Foto: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Czech Republic increased its production to 62,336 vehicles (+6.7%). All vehicles were hybrid models, of which more than 99 per cent were exported.

At the plant of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech, production, by contrast, declined by 6.3 per cent to 67,000 vehicles. Around 63,298 vehicles were exported, while 3,702 were sold domestically. Nearly half of production consisted of electrified drivetrains.

Buses and Commercial Vehicles Record Growth

Bus production also developed positively: a total of 1,442 buses were manufactured (+9.2%), of which 150 were for the domestic market and the majority for export. Among manufacturers, SOR Libchavy in particular stood out, significantly expanding its production. Iveco Czech Republic remained the largest provider with 1,268 vehicles produced.

In the lorry segment, Tatra Trucks increased production by 47.3 per cent to 408 vehicles. A large share of the vehicles was exported.

Overall, the figures underline the robust development of the Czech automotive sector, which continues to prove itself as a key pillar of industry despite global uncertainties.