International Relations on the Market of Trolleybus’ Manufacturers in Europe in the Years 2000–2014

Abstract

Trolleybuses are not a popular mode of public transport in Poland, but national manufacturers ofpublic transport vehicles have extensive experience and significant achievements in production and exportof this type of vehicles. In the last decade Solaris Bus & Coach from Bolechów became the main producer oftrolleybuses in the European Union. In the years 2001-2014 Solaris produced nearly 900 vehicles, however,less than 140 of them were intended for the domestic market. Production of the Solaris trolleybuses was solarge that it significantly affected the market of producers of this mode of public transport in the EuropeanUnion and Europe in general. It was particularly important for countries of Central and Eastern Europe, inwhich many trolleybus transport systems still operate. The article examines the changes of the trolleybusproduction market in Europe, both in terms of location and volume of production during over the last 15years. The query among manufacturers of trolleybuses in Europe and other institutions was necessary toperform research. As a consequence, the data were collected on trolleybuses manufacturers throughout theEuropean Union, Switzerland and the former socialist countries of Eastern Europe. In addition to presentingthe size and location of production export connections, with particular emphasis on Polish trolleybuses ofSolaris, were illustrated. The co-operation models of trolleybus producers on the market were examined andtheir relationship determined. The results are presented in the form of cartographic studies.