Exactly which companies are building the image of the Czech Republic as a big car-producing power? Most people making a stab at answering this question would probably suggest Škoda Auto, Kolín, Central Bohemia-based Toyota Peugeot Citroen Automobile Czech (TPCA) and Nošovice, North Moravia-based Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC), especially if they’re aware that once HMMC’s 300,000 vehicles per year production line is up and running in 2009, this country will be catapulted into first place worldwide in terms of the number of cars made per capita.
Such a summary, however, misses many fascinating details of the big picture. Admittedly, some Czech car producers have disappeared, but many smaller producers have gained market footholds and plenty others are revving up production preparations. After many years, Tatra and Avia are back in the limelight while producers of stylish cars are also starting to make an appearance. Kaipan, for example, is luring customers with a sports car built on a Škoda Favorit chassis.
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