World car production

In 2009, China became the world’s largest car manufacturing country. It produced a total of 13.79 million units. Out of this, 4.57 million units or 44% were from domestic branded companies. However, total export was only 332400 units – which mean that its domestic consumption is more than 13.4 million units. In comparison, Japan and USA produced 7.93 million and 5.7 million units respectively in the same year.

In contrast, Japan has seen a decline in the number of vehicles produced. From 11.6 million units in both 2007 and 2008, it came down to 7.93 in 2009.

For 2010, China is targeted to produce a total of about 16.4 mil vehicles. Japan will remain as the no.2 with a projected figure of 8.87 mil. The US will have a good year in car production and is expected to cross the line at 7.8 mil. Next is Germany with a total of 5.77 mil.

South Korea came in fifth and produced a total of 3.5 mil vehicles in 2009. It is expected to churn out 4.2 mil units in 2010. Of this, 63% or 2.67 mil units will be exported. Its manufacturers are very aggressively pushing new and improved models. Expect them to up their production and exports as well.

India is a country with a huge potential market for vehicles. Its current production is about 1.0 mil. Expect their factories to increase their output when the consumption power improves.

Asia now produces about 30 mil vehicles a year or about half the world production. With increasing demand coming from Asia, it can be expected that Asia will be the new vehicle manufacturing hub of the world.