World vehicle production reached 84.1 million in 2012
March 27, 2013
World vehicle production reached 84.1 million vehicles (all types) in 2012, stated Patrick Blain, President of OICA. This record level is up by more than 5% compared to 2011.
World sales figures (all vehicle types) are estimated at almost 82 million vehicles in 2012. Production figures, stated Blain, never match sales because of many non-recorded registrations in many countries (vehicles for administration, military, embassies, etc) and vehicles in short term inventory soon to be registered.
Global sales of new vehicles (Courtesy OICA)
“After a dramatic fall in 2009 to 61.8 million units due to the 2008 crisis, the world vehicles production has clearly recovered globally,” stated Blain. “Asia maintained its leadership, with a total production reaching 43.7 million units in 2012, followed by the Americas at 20 million, and Europe trailing with a figure of less than 20 million.”
The statement issued by the OICA highlighted regional variations as follows:
- Europe: Production in EU27 was sharply reduced in 2012 by 8% and its share in the global auto production is now at only 19%. Other European countries, including Russia and Turkey, however grew by 4%, maintaining their share of global production at 4%.
- NAFTA: Production grew sharply by 17%, confirming the 2011 recovery. Its share in global production grew to 19%.
- South and Central America: production was slightly reduced (-2%), stopping the continuous growth tendency observed since 2003. The global share is stable at 5%.
- Japan and South Korea: production increased by 11%, resulting in a global share at 17%.
- China, India and other Asian countries: production continued to increase (+6%), albeit at a slower rate than in previous years. The share in global production continued to increased, reaching now 35%.
- Africa: production grew by 5%, with a global share stable at 1%.
OICA estimates that the global 2012 sales figures (all vehicles) reached almost 82 million, with similar trends as observed for production figures. Sales increased throughout Asia (China, India, Japan, South Korea, etc.), the NAFTA region, the area including Russia/Turkey/other European countries, and Africa.
The EU27 sales figures however declined. Almost half of the global sales now occur in Asia, with China alone accounting for more than 23% of the worldwide sales figures. For 2013, OICA estimates that sales would further grow by about 3%, especially thanks to good forecasts in China and USA. Prospects in the European Union however are bleak.
Breakdown of vehicle production by country 2012 (Courtesy OICA)
