Knauf Automotive – what do we specialize in?

Our company specializes in the two most relevant plastics processing technologies for the automotive industry: thermoplastic injection moulding and EPP and EPS pressure moulding. We supply precisely moulded plastic elements both for car interiors, which have an aesthetic function, and strictly technical components used in vehicle exterior structures. We use the technology of pressure moulding of parts made of modern expanded plastics, which is currently becoming more and more popular in the automotive industry.

From expanded polypropylene (EPP) we manufacture, among other things, lightweight and highly durable tool boxes, mechanically resistant bumper and seat cores, as well as returnable packaging for transporting sensitive products. Moreover, our EPS packaging provides excellent protection for car batteries. Geographical proximity to our customers located mainly in the Czech Republic and Germany makes the deliveries fast, on time and their costs are relatively low, which allows us to present the attractive price offer.

What was the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the car industry?

Among the most obvious effects of the pandemic was the interruption of production and restrictions on movement, which resulted in a significant drop in demand for new cars. Many manufacturers also had to contend with disrupted component supplies as a result of border closures and the need to halt production – a car is made up of tens of thousands of different parts, missing any one of them resulted in the entire line coming to a halt.

Current and potential customers could count on uninterrupted deliveries and the security of their contracts thanks to strong financial stability. We have a diversified customer portfolio and are part of the worldwide Knauf Group, which ensures independence from temporary crises, both on a local scale and those affecting individual economic sectors.

How will the automotive industry change in the coming years?

At this point, forecasts are clearer than in 2020, but the automotive industry still faces many challenges and changes. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, analysis by IHS Markit showed that the decline in car sales in Europe in 2020 could be as high as 27% and in 2021 as high as 18%, compared to 2019. Now, according to the ACEA Report, new car registrations in Europe increased by almost 14% in 2023 compared to 2022, but these figures are still 19% lower than they were in 2019.

The pandemic has caused a deep crisis in car sales in Europe, but the market is starting to bounce back. The automotive industry must continue to adapt to new challenges such as changing consumer preferences, the development of electromobility and environmental regulations. At Knauf Industries, we are also continuing to grow and invest. We want to be ready at all times to take on new production challenges, also when the economic and industry situation has already stabilized for good.