One of the sectors that has been witnessing a remarkable transformation is the automobile industry. Ukraine’s automobile industry has been attracting attention from both domestic and foreign investors, who see the potential for growth, innovation, and profitability in this sector. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Ukraine’s automobile industry is accelerating, and what are the opportunities and challenges for investors who want to be part of this exciting journey.
Why is Ukraine’s Automobile Industry Accelerating?
There are several factors that contribute to the acceleration of Ukraine’s automobile industry, such as:
Increasing domestic demand: As Ukraine’s economy recovers from the crisis of 2014-2015, more Ukrainians are able to afford vehicles for personal and business use. According to the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the number of registered vehicles in Ukraine increased by 9.4% from 2016 to 2020, reaching over 11 million units1. The demand for new and used vehicles is expected to grow further, as the average age of vehicles in Ukraine is over 15 years.
Strategic location: Ukraine’s geographical position gives it a competitive edge for automobile production and trade. Ukraine is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, allowing it to access both markets and benefit from existing trade agreements. For example, Ukraine has a free trade agreement with the European Union, which is one of the largest markets for automobiles in the world. Ukraine also has a free trade agreement with Canada, which is a major producer and exporter of automobiles3.
Skilled workforce: Ukraine has a large pool of talented and educated workers, especially in the fields of engineering, science, and technology. According to the World Bank, Ukraine ranks among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of tertiary education enrollment. Many Ukrainian workers have experience in working for international companies or projects, such as Google, Samsung, Boeing, and SpaceX. These workers can offer high-quality and cost-effective services for various aspects of the automobile industry, such as design, development, production, testing, and maintenance.
Government support: The Ukrainian government has been implementing various measures to support and promote the automobile industry in the country. Some of these measures include tax incentives, subsidies, loans, grants, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms. For example, the government has reduced the import duty on electric vehicles from 10% to 0%, making them more affordable for consumers. The government has also launched a program to provide loans for purchasing electric vehicles at a preferential interest rate of 0.01%.
