Automobile Manufacturing Industry Profile

The world's automakers face a rate of change unlike that of any other time in the industry's history. Digitalization, connectivity, evolving powertrain technologies, tougher regulations, and shifts in consumer attitudes have created unprecedented challenges as well as opportunities. In pursuit of sales growth, global automakers have invested heavily in emerging markets, but slower demand, especially in China, has highlighted the risks of these investments. Accurately assessing economic conditions in specific markets has become more important than ever for automakers.

Annual global sales of light vehicles, which include passenger cars and light trucks, total about 80 million, according to data compiled by Scotiabank. Industry watchers expect global light vehicle sales to increase slightly more than 3% in 2018. Demand in China will lead global growth but is slowing amid a cooling economy. Strong economic growth and rising average vehicle age in North America and Europe are expected to help drive moderate sales growth. Leading countries for car manufacturing include China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the US. Unit sales are highest in China, North America, and Western Europe.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global auto industry is dominated by a small number of US, Western European, and Japanese companies. In the pursuit of sales and market share growth, the major companies have expanded aggressively into emerging markets by setting up local subsidiaries or joint ventures. Domestic manufacturers in emerging markets often enjoy tax benefits or other ...