Abstract
The automobile and its industry have in last years completed their first century. Continuous growth in transport activity reflects the dependence of modern societies on efficient and effective motorised transport, which has been the cornerstone of economic and social progress the last 50 years. In Central and Eastern Europe a substantial development of automobilization is expected; by the year 2005 it will increase production by 80 % (which will increase the proportion of the zone from 5 % to nearly 10 % of the world production). So the countries of this zone will take larger share in production of basic materials, systems, in production and utilisation of cars, and in their recycling.