Poland is increasing lobbying efforts to ensure the German automotive giant Volkswagen (VW) selects their country over Turkey as the location for the production of their new light commercial vehicle (LCV). Over the past week, the Polish press has gone to great lengths to influence VW's choice for which country to invest in. The widespread statements being made in the Polish press infers that Turkey is not the ideal country to invest in, however Poland is.

Statements made by Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan and news on VW that has surfaced in the Turkish press are being relayed to Polish readers. The lobby is attempting to emphasize the fact that Poland is a European nation and alleges that VW should veer towards Poland because the country already has a modern factory producing light commercial vehicles in Poznan. This factory has supposedly been producing Caddy and Transporter models since 1993. Reports are also purporting that even if Poland refrains from offering incentives or further tax cuts, it is still the more economic choice for VW. The Polish press is pointing to a report prepared by Ernst&Young which places Poland in sixth place in terms of international production-cost competition. Poland was one of the top nations in terms of high productivity, listed amongst a number of Middle Eastern and eastern European countries. Reports also stated that Poland trumps Turkey in terms of productivity, competition, and cost as well as in a variety of other areas.

Volkswagen isn't the only firm to have investments in Poland, Opel has selected Poland for the production of their newer version of the Cabrio, the Cascada, and Bridgestone has also allegedly increased investments. Toyota's sub-industry firm Boshoku has also supposedly invested, while the Polish press also claims that Fiat is planning on expanding investments.

REACTIONS TO ÇAĞLAYAN'S COMMENTS

Commenting on the fact that Volkswagen is considering investing in Turkey for the manufacture of their new vehicle, Economy Minister Zafer Çağlayan had stated, "They are trying to decide between Poland and Turkey. There are some that are trying to pose obstacles. However, we are indisputably in the lead." Çağlayan's remark that Turkey was in the lead for the choice of investment led to widespread response in Poland.

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