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This article provides an overview of the automotive industry in countries around the world.

The United States was the world's largest automobile producer by volume from the early years of the 20th century until the 1980s, when it was overtaken by Japan. In 2009 China became the world's largest vehicle producer.

Africa

Egypt

The earliest beginnings of the Egyptian automotive industry date back to the year 1960. During the socialist era, the government pledged to transform the country from an agricultural economy to an industrial one, and the first completely Egyptian car was produced. The car soon went out of production as it was unable to compete with foreign brands, especially following the end of socialism and the move toward a more liberal market. It was not until 1985 that automotive giant General Motors (GM) set up its first assembly plant in Egypt, revolutionising the industry.

In the more than two dozens years since, the Egyptian automotive assembly business has grown from just three plants relying on mostly imported components, to 16 businesses with 26 assembly lines, manufacturing now near 100 thousands per year of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses, as well as 300 factories that produce most automotive components (IDA’s Vision for the Automotive Industry Report). Besides GM, giants such as BMW, Nissan, Hyundai, and Daewoo produce most of their models in their factories in Egypt. In fact, the BMW assembly line in Egypt is the only factory outside Germany where the BMW 7 Series is produced.

But it was not until 2004 that the Egyptian automotive market began to expand exponentially, along with the local production of both assembled cars and components. Secretary General of the Egyptian Automobile Manufacturers Association (EAMA), Moham-med El-Hadary said that the total automobile market in Egypt consisted of only 72,417 vehicles in 2004. This figure rose to 227,488 vehicles in 2007; a 314% increase, said El-Hadary. The largest increase was seen by the passenger cars segment, which went from 55,471 in 2004 to 179,178 vehicles in 2007; a 323% increase. This trend towards increase in vehicle sales is expected to continue, with the number of vehicles expected to reach 444,000 units by 2012.

Kenya

Kenya now at the beginning of own auto industry. First national factory is Mobius Motors.

Morocco

Morocco has non-large auto assembly capability of near 40 thousand annual production.

South Africa

South Africa traditionally is African leader in automotive industry and now products near half a million per year of all types of automobiles. While own development of trucks and military vehicles exists, cars products under foreign brand's licenses mainly.

Asia

Bangladesh

Producting earlier a autorikshas only, now Bangladesh has and plan to built a few auto plants by foreign help.

China

China's automobile industry had Soviet origins mainly (plants and licensed autodesign were founded in 1950s by help of USSR) and was the small volume some dozens years, not exceeding 100-200 thousands per year. It has been developing rapidly since the year 2000. In 2009, 13.83 million motor vehicles were manufactured in China, surpassing Japan as the largest automobile maker. Now annual production more than 18 millions of automobiles in China exceeds one in United States and Japan taken together or one in European Union. Moreover, with total sales of 13.64 million, China became the largest automobile market in the world for the full year 2009, overtaking the United States.

The top nine car sellers for year 2009 were Volkswagen, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan Motors, BYD, Chery, Honda, Toyota and Geely.

India

An embryonic automotive industry started in India in the 1940s. However, for the next 50 years, the growth of the industry was hobbled by the Socialist policies and the bureaucratic hurdles of the license raj with total restrictions for import of vehicles. Following economic liberalisation in India from 1991, and the gradual easing of restrictions on industry, India has seen a dynamic 17% annual growth in automobile production and 30% annual growth in exports of automotive components and automobiles. More than 3.9 million automotive vehicles were produced in India in 2011 (an increase of almost twicely since 2005 and more than ten times since 1990), making the country the sixth largest automobile producer (beating such old and new auto makers as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Spain, France, Brazil) and the second fastest growing automobile market (after China) in the World. Total turnover of the Indian automobile industry is expected to grow from USD 34 Billion in 2006 to USD 122 Billion in 2016.

The Largest automotive companies in India are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. Tata Motors has just launched Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world at USD 2200. Foreign auto companies with plants in India include, General Motors, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Suzuki, Nissan Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, BMW, Fiat and Mercedes Benz.

Indonesia

Indonesia became the second South-East Asian auto producent of more than 800 thousands per year with assembly of world's (Japanese and Korean) brand's vehicles mainly and some own designed cars and trucks.

Iran

Iran developed a significant automotive industry with up to 200 thousands annual production under Shakh regime. But after Islamic revolution of 1979 it was down. Since end of XX century auto industry started to grow, especially fast in last years. There were 13 public and privately owned automakers within Iran, of which two - Iran Khodro and Saipa - accounted for 94% of the total domestic production. Iran Khodro, which produced the most prevalent car brand in the country - the Paykan, which has been replaced in 2005 by the Samand -, was still the largest with 61% of the market in 2001, while Saipa contributed 33% of Iran’s total production in the same year. The other car manufacturers, such as the Bahman Group, Kerman Motors, Kish Khodro, Raniran, Traktorsazi, Shahab Khodro, and others together produced only 6%. These automakers produce a wide range of automobiles including motorbikes, passenger cars such as Saipa's Tiba, vans, mini trucks, medium sized trucks, heavy duty trucks, minibuses, large size buses and other heavy automobiles used in commercial and private activities in the country. Iran has a fleet of 7 million cars in 2008, which translates to almost one car per ten persons in the country (including pick-ups and buses). Automobile production crossed the 1 million mark in 2005 and Iran car exports reached $1 billion by March 2009. Iran ranked the world's 13th biggest automaker in 2011 with annual production of more than 1,6 million (that is more than in such old and new auto makers as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Czech republic, Turkey).

Japan

Automotive industry in Japan fast increased in 1970s-1990s (when it was oriented both for domestic use and wide world export) and now is second-third (as United States) largest in the world (after China) with annual production of 8-10 millions. In 1980s-1990s by overtaken the US it was the leader heaving up to 13 millions per year significant part of that went to export including to United States. Japanese investments growed an auto iundustry in many (and not Asian only) countries.

Malaysia

The automotive industry in Malaysia is perhaps one of the freshest and the steadily growing market, catering for needs Worldwide (except for America and Continental Europe). Malaysia is third South-East Asian auto maker of more than half a million per year vehicles developed by Japan and Korean assists. The list of car manufacturers are as follows:
- Proton Edar (PeRusahaan OTOmobil Nasional), being the pioneer of Malaysian Car Manufacturer.
- Perodua (PERusahaan Otomobil keDUA), of which engines are based on Daihatsu models.
- Bufori & TD2000, "Antique Cars" manufacturers based in Malaysia (Although originally from Australia).
- DRB-HICOM (Diversified Resources Berhad - The Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia Berhad).
- Naza (The Naza Group of Companies - Assembles Kia Motors and Peugeot vehicles)

North Korea

The North Korean motor vehicle production has a military, industrial and construction goals mainly, and private car ownership by citizens not allowed (all cars are serving a government officials). Having Soviet origins, subsequent practice of cloning of foreign specimens and recent one automobile joint-venture, North Korea developed a wide-range automotive industry with production of all types of vehicles (a urban and off-road mini, luxury, SUV cars, a small, midi, heavy and superheavy cargo, construction and off-road trucks, a mini buses, a usual and articulated buses, trolleybuses and trams) but products a much less vehicles than a 40-50 thousands capabilities due to permanent economical crisis. DPRK no join or collaborate the OICA and other communities, so an information about its motor vehicle industry is very limited and poor.

Pakistan

The automobile industry has been an active and growing field in Pakistan for a long time, however not as much established to figure in the prominent list of the top automotive industries, having annual production more than 150 thousands. Surprisingly, despite its some large size in terms of production volume, only a few car models are assembled in the country and customers have a very small variety of vehicles to choose from. The lack of competition in the auto industry due to the dominance of a few players, and restrictions on imports in the form of heavy duties have resulted in very high prices of Cars in the country. Currently some of the major world automakers have set up assembly plants or are in joint ventures with local companies these include Toyota, General motors Honda, Suzuki, Nissan Motors. The total contribution of Auto industry to GDP in 2007 was 2.8% which is likely to increase up to 5.6% in the next 5 years. Auto sector presently, contributes 16% to the manufacturing sector which is predicted to increase 25% in the next 7 years.

Philippines

Philippines has non-large auto industry with more than 60 thousands per year production of Japanese and Korean vehicles.

South Korea

The South Korean automobile industry is today the fifth largest in the World in terms of production volume (concedes to China, United States, Japan and Germany only) and the sixth largest in terms of export volume, achieved more than 4,6 million vehicles producted in 2011. 50 years ago, its initial operations were merely the assembling of parts imported from Japan and the United States. The Hyundai Kia Automotive Group is today the second largest automaker in Asia, after Toyota. Annual domestic output exceeded one million units in 1988. In the 1990s, the industry manufactured numerous in-house models, demonstrating not only its capabilities, and signaling its coming of age thanks to the heavy investment to infrastructure in the country over the decades. The quality of their automobiles has improved dramatically in recent years, gaining international recognition. Besides of direct export, by Korean assist a many countries found or increased their auto industry (like Japan help earlier).

Taiwan

Unlike other Asian undustrial former "dragons" (Japan, Korea) and new "dragons" (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia), Taiwanese automotive industry was oriented for domestic use and not for export. So, annual production (near 400 thousands) is less many times and includes remaked Japanese cars mainly.

Thailand

Thailand is more rapidly growed in 2000s, largest in South-Asia and 14th in the World auto producent with annual output near 1,5 million (that is more than in such old and new auto makers as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Czech republic, Turkey) of vehicles developed and issued by foreign (Japanese, Korean, etc) assist. The Thai-based automobile manufacturer is ThaiRung or well known as TR, manufactured by Thai Rung Union Car Public Co. Ltd. (TRU). The company was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. Original name was Thai Rung Engineering Co. Ltd., and changed its name to Thai Rung Union Car Co. Ltd. in 1973. TRU was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1994. TRU business is ranging from product design and development, automotive parts manufacturing, industrial equiptments manufacturing, car assembly lines and financial business. Some discontinued TR vans powered by Land Rover engine in combination with Thai-developed body design and platform. Modern TR cars are built on small or medium trucks base into SUV or seven-seat multi-purpose vehicles using TR-owned technology, design, development and assembly skills. The current models are 2009 TR Adventure (based on Isuzu D-Max) and TR Allroader (based on Thai-version Chevrolet Colorado).

Turkey

Recently fast growed by European and then Far East (Japanese, Korean) help, the automotive industry in Turkey plays an important role in the manufacturing sector of the Turkish economy. The foundations of the industry was laid with the establishment of Otosan assembly factory in 1959 and the mass production of the domestic car Anadol in 1961. Last years Turkey produced up to 1,2 million motor vehicles, ranking as the 6th largest producer in Europe (if Turkey counts as European) and the 16-17th largest producer in the World. With a cluster of car-makers and parts suppliers, the Turkish automotive sector has become an integral part of the global network of production bases, exporting over $22,944,000,000 worth of motor vehicles and components in 2008. Global car manufacturers with production plants include Fiat/Tofaş, Oyak-Renault, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda and Ford/Otosan.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan absolutely no had automotive industry being part of the Soviet Union. In post-Soviet times UzDaewooAuto, SamAuto, GM Uzbekistan new auto producting plants were built by Korean and US help with production more than 150 thousands per year that allows export of Uzbekistan's automobiles to Russia and other CIS countries.

Vietnam

Completely dependent for Soviet import earlier, Vietnam since 2000s began to develop own automotive industry with Japanese-Korean assist and, having yet near 40 thousands per year capability, accounts as prospective maker and market in South-East Asia.

Europe

Austia

Austria for a long time had import of cars and small domestic production of trucks and military Steyr vehicles only, but in XXI century placed foreign (German) new capabilities for more than 200 thousands annual production.

Belarus

Belarus had third by volume part of automotive industry of the Soviet Union with near 40 thousands annual production. Since that times Belarus specilizes on production of own designed superheavy, heavy and middle trucks mainly plus post-Soviet developed buses, trolleybuses and trams. Auto manufacturers in Belarus include MAZ, BelAZ and Neman.

Belgium

At the begininng of XX century Belgium had one of the leading European auto industry with famous and technically advanced brands. But domestic producers no growed and disappeared soon. However, due to assembly plants of foreign (US and other) brands, to the end of century Belgium became one of the largest European auto makers with annual output up to 1,2 million. But last years it's mainly export-oriented auto industry twicely down (to half a million per year) due to strong competiton with import from new East-European, Turkish and Far-Eastern producents.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria strongly depend and depends from auto import from Soviet block earlier and from other European and Asian countries now. Socialist Bulgaria has small auto industry including near 20 thousand production of own developed Chavdar trucks and buses and assembly of Soviet Moskvitch cars.

Czech Republic

Before WWII automotive industry was significant and advanced part of economy of former Czechoslovakia that was involved into power by Nazy Germany. Post-war socialist Czechoslovakia restored own auto manufacturing that was the second (after Poland) in Soviet block outside the USSR, producing 250 thousand per year vehicles of all types, including Skoda cars and trolleybuses, Tatra trucks and trams, Karosa buses.

After dissolving of country, Czech Republic has inherited all of it's auto capabilities and then was growed many times by German, french, Japanese, Korean investments. Now Czech Republic is largest East-European outside Russia and one of the significant European (6th) and World's (16-17th) auto maker, having annual output near 1,2 million and large export to East Europe, other CIS and European countries and even to United States. Auto manufacturers in the Czech Republic include original Czech brands Škoda (owned by the Volkswagen Group since 2000), Tatra and assembly plants of Hyundai and joint-venture Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota.

Finland

Finland depends from import of cars and other vehicles. Small own auto industry including production of Valmet and Sisu trucks and buses and former assembly of Volvo cars decreased from 40 to few thousands since end of XX century.

France

France was among the earliest pioneers in auto production. Armand Peugeot (along with Léon Serpollet) produced a three-wheeled steam powered car in 1889, and produced a four-wheeled car powered by a Daimler gasoline internal combustion engine in 1890.

The two main automotive manufacturers in France are PSA Peugeot Citroën, makers of Peugeot and Citroen, and Renault, which makes Renault and Dacia (in Romania). In 1975, Peugeot acquired Citroen, and formed PSA Peugeot Citroën. Three years later, the company acquired Chrysler’s European division, the former Rootes and Simca auto manufacturers. Renault, which was founded in 1899 and state-owned between 1945 and 1996, temporarily was in alliance with Volvo and then has been the controlling shareholder of Nissan since 1999. Renault also had a controlling interest in American Motors Corporation during the 1970s and 1980s. The other major vehicle manufacturer in France is Renault Trucks, which is primarily owned by Volvo AB.

Other auto manufacturers that were active after World War II included: Alpine (car), Facel Vega, Matra, Panhard (bought out by Citroen), Rosengart and Vespa 400. After the war, luxury carmakers were hampered by the taxes based on the fiscal horsepower rating, or CV, which doomed the grandes routières such as Bugatti, Delage, Delahaye, Hotchkiss et Cie, Salmson and Talbot-Lago (purchased by Simca).

At the end of XX century France was the second European (slightly lagging behind Germany) and fourth Worlds's largest auto maker, having annual production of 3,5-4 million. Due to strong competition with Spain and European import from Asian, new East-European, Turkish and other producents, last years data decreased to 2,2-2,3 million and 3rd place in Europe (after Germany ans Spain) and 10th in World.

Germany

The petrol engined automobile was invented in Germany by Karl Benz. Furthermore, the four-stroke internal combustion engine used in most automobiles worldwide today was invented by Nikolaus Otto in Germany. In addition, the diesel engine was also invented by German Rudolf Diesel.

Germany is famous for the high-performance and high-quality sports cars made by Porsche, and the cars of Mercedes, Audi and BMW are famous for their quality and technological innovation. Daimler-Benz's predecessor Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft was the industry's oldest firm, Daimler-Benz company dates from 1926. In 1998, it bought the American automobile manufacturer Chrysler, then sold out in 2007 at a heavy loss, as it never managed to bring the division to long term profitability.

In the popular market, Opel and Volkswagen are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased Audi in 1964, which eventually led to the formation of today's Volkswagen Group. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by Ferdinand Porsche upon orders from Adolf Hitler, who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer. Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by Porsche Automobil Holding SE. As of 2010, seven different car manufacturers belong to the industrial concern: Volkswagen, Audi AG, Bugatti Automobiles SAS, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Bentley Motors Limited, SEAT, S.A., Škoda Auto, along with commercial vehicle makers Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, MAN AG and Scania AB. During German reunification West Germany incorporated non-large (near 200 thousands per year) production of Wartburg, Trabant cars and IFA trucks in East Germany.

With annual output near 6 million now, Germany is absolute leader of auto production in Europe since 1960s, and in World was the third during 1970s - middle of 2000s and fourth now (concedes to China, United States and Japan only).

Hungary

Some original car production in Hugarian part of Austro-Hungary at the begining of XX century was lost. Post WWII socialist Hungary widely imported cars and trucks from Soviet Union and other countries. In the same time Hungary produced small number of heavy trucks (Raba) and had strong specialization in Soviet block in manufacturing of buses (Icarus), that made it one of the largest bus producents end exporters (including outside Soviet block and Europe).

Post-socialist Hungary significantly decreased the manufacturing of buses but found a large assemly capacities of foreign (Asian end European) brands with annual production of more than 200 thousands cars.

Ireland

Having a non-large (few tens thousands per year) assembly manufacturing of British and US cars, Ireland imports vehicles also.

Italy

The automotive industry in Italy began with the construction of the first FIAT plant (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli. In the following years at least 50 other manufacturers appeared, the best known being Isotta Fraschini in 1900, Lancia in 1906, Alfa Romeo in 1910, Maserati in 1914, Ferrari in 1939, and Lamborghini in 1963. During the first and the second World Wars and the economic crisis of the 70's, many of these brands disappeared or were bought by FIAT or foreign manufacturers.

To 1960s-1970s Italia restored own large auto industry that was 3rd-4th in Europe and 5th-6th in the World. In 1980s Italia overtaked the United Kingdom but has conceded to Soviet Union that, like Poland and Yugoslavia, found large-volume production of cars by Italian FIAT help. In 1990s Italian auto industry became again 3rd in Europe and 5th in World with annual output more than 2 million. But in XXI century it seriously fallen to near 800 thousands per year and 8th place in Europe and 21st place in the World.

Today the Italian automotive industry continues to boasts a wide range of products, from very compact city cars to sport supercars such as Ferrari and Pagani. As of July 2011 Fiat also holds roughly 53.5% stake in the American automaker Chrysler.

Netherlands

Netherlands imports most of vehicles, having small own manufacturing less than 100 thousands per year. Domestic car's design and mass production lost. Besides DAF trucks and VDL buses, national automakers includes small companies NovoMotive, Spyker Cars, NedCar.

Poland

Poland had non-significant auto producing capacities before WWII. But socialist Poland became the first in Soviet block outside the USSR, producing near 400 thousands and all types of vehicles, including Polski FIAT, Polonez, Syrena, Tarpan cars, Yeltch and Sanos trucks and buses. As in Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, main car plant with cars design was provided by Italian FIAT.

Post-socialist Poland strongly increased auto industry by new assebly plants of European and Asian brands that allows output more than 800 thousands per year and 18-19th place in World, 7th place in Europe and 2nd place in East Europe outside Russia (after Czech republic).

Portugal

Portugal has non-large production of foreign assembling cars and trucks with near 200 thousands annually.

Romania

Socialist Romania produced annually less than 100 thousand vehicles of all types (4th place in Soviet block outside USSR after Poland, Czechoslovakia, East Germany). Cars production was found by French (Renault), MPVs - by Soviet assists.

Now Romanian automobile manufacturing produces near 350 thousand vehicles per year and includes Dacia, Griviţa, Igero, Roman and Ford (the former Daewoo and Oltcit manufacturing facility). Other companies such as ARO, Rocar and Tractorul also existed, before they eventually went bankrupt.

Russia

Russia has inherited a main part of automotive industry of the Soviet Union with near 1,8 milllion annual production of all types of automobiles in RSFSR.

Automotive production is a significant industry in post-Soviet Russia, directly employing around 600,000 people or 1% of the country's total work force. With output near 2 millions, Russia was the world's 12th and European 4th (after Germany, Spain, France) automotive largest producer in 2011, and accounts for about 7% of the worldwide production. Due to the global financial crisis in 2009 the industry produced 600 thousands vehicles only, down from 1,5 millions in 2008 after post-Soviet almost restoration.

The largest companies are light vehicle producers AvtoVAZ and GAZ, while KAMAZ is the leading heavy vehicle producer. 11 foreign carmakers have production operations or are constructing plants in Russia. Russian government presented plans to make Russia as European second automotive producent.

Serbia

The automotive industry in Serbia and Yugoslavia dates back to 1939 when the first trucks came out of the assembly lines in the city of Kragujevac. After the Second World War this factory was renamed Zastava Automobiles and the production of motor vehicles started again under license to FIAT. Yugoslavia was 2nd (after Poland) European socialist auto maker outside Soviet Union and achieved at high point near 300 thousands annual production, 250 thousands amongst that was Zastava cars. Zastava cars were exported by small quantities to 70 countries all over the World, including the UK. By Yugo small car, Yugoslavia undertaked wide adverted intervention to US automarket tried to make a competition with Japanese analogs in small cars sector that opened after oil crisis of middle of 1970s.

During the 1990s the political problems and economic sanctions imposed on Serbia, inherited Yugoslavian auto industry mainly, halted the drop of production of Zastava cars to just 10-20 thousands per year. In 2008, in agreement with Government of Serbia, FIAT Group took over the Zastava plant which is now one of FIAT factories. Serbian Government wants to establish Serbia as a new manufacturing location for automotive industry in Europe and is strongly supporting all the international producers and suppliers to open their plants in Serbia.

Slovakia

Slovakia absolutely no had automotive industry being part of Czechoslovakia. After the dossolving of country new auto assembly plants were built by foreign investments in Slovakia like in some other East-European countries that allows it 3rd amongst them (after Czech republic and Poland) and 8th in Europe with annual production more than 600 thousands and export main if them to other countries.

Slovenia

Having some small auto production in socialist Yugoslavia, Slovenia became on of the new East European car making countries and now produces near 200 thousands per year, for export mainly.

Spain

After WWII Franco's Spain lagged behind main European auto manufacturing countries some tens of years. Only at the end of 1970s it was able to produce more than million vehicles and 5th in Europe and 9th in World. Then significant growth allows Spain to overtake the United Kingdom, Italy and achieve the 3 million output (for export partially), 3rd place in Europe, 6th place in the World at 2000. Since that time, due to East-European and Asian competitors on European market, auto export from Spain reduced and annual production decreased to 2,4 million, although Spain beat France and became the second auto power in Europe (after Germany) but 9th in the World.

In 2009 the automotive industry generated 3.5 percent of the country's GDP and gave employment to about nine percent of the working population. Spain is on the eight place in car manufacturing countries, but 2008 and 2009 showed a decrease in car production. The downward spiral started about ten years ago, with an abandoning policy of many consecutive governments. The result has been the loss of all Spanish car brands manufacturers, which are now in hands of foreign companies. Nowadays, Spain's major domestic firm is the Volkswagen Group's subsidiary brand SEAT, S.A..

Sweden

Swedish automobile manufacturing widely known in European and US markets many tens of years due to advanced and safe cars including Saab and Volvo brands, although their production (200-300 thousands per year) is not amongst largest in Europe and World.

Ukraine

Ukraine was one of two only Soviet republics having production of all types of automobiles and was second by volume part of automotive industry of the Soviet Union with more than 200 thousands annual production.

Ukraine automobile manufacturers astably produces 100-200 thousands per year now and includes ZAZ, LuAZ, Bogdan, KrAZ, KrASZ, BAZ, ChAZ, Eurocar, Etalon-Avto, HalAZ, Anto-Rus and LAZ. While domestic trucks, buses and trolleybuses continues to make, a production of own designed cars (such as Tavriya) decreased and now Ukraine assemblies US Chevrolet's, Russian, Korean developed cars mainly.

United Kingdom

The automotive industry in the United Kingdom is now best known for premium and sports car marques including Aston Martin, Bentley, Daimler, Jaguar, Lagonda, Land Rover, Lotus, McLaren, MG, Mini, Morgan and Rolls-Royce. Volume car manufacturers with a major presence in the UK include Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Vauxhall Motors (owned by General Motors). Commercial vehicle manufacturers active in the UK include Alexander Dennis, Ford, GMM Luton (owned by General Motors), Leyland Trucks (owned by Paccar) and London Taxis International.

In 2008 the UK automotive manufacturing sector had a turnover of £52.5 billion, generated £26.6 billion of exports and produced around 1.45 million passenger vehicles and 203,000 commercial vehicles. In that year around 180,000 people were directly employed in automotive manufacturing in the UK, with a further 640,000 people employed in automotive supply, retail and servicing. The UK is a major centre for engine manufacturing and in 2008 around 3.16 million engines were produced in the country. The UK has a significant presence in auto racing and the UK motorsport industry currently employs around 38,500 people, comprises around 4,500 companies and has an annual turnover of around £6 billion.

The origins of the UK automotive industry date back to the final years of the 19th century. By the 1950s the UK was the second-largest manufacturer of cars in the world (after the United States) and the largest exporter. However in subsequent decades the industry experienced considerably lower growth than competitor nations such as France, Germany and Japan and by 2008 the UK was the 12th-largest producer of cars measured by volume. Since the late 1980s many British car marques have become owned by foreign companies including BMW, SAIC, TATA and Volkswagen Group. Rights to many currently dormant brands, including Austin, Riley, Rover and Triumph, are also owned by foreign companies.

North America

Canada

Canada is currently the 11th largest auto producer in the World with 2,1 million annual output, down from 7th place with 3 millions peak a few years ago. China, Spain, India, Brazil, Mexico recently surpassed Canadian production for the first time ever. Canada's highest rankings ever was 2nd largest producer in the World between 1918 and 1923 and 3rd after WWII.

The Canadian auto industry traces its roots to the very beginning of the automobile. The first large-scale production of automobiles in Canada took place in Walkerville, near Windsor, Ontario in 1904. In the first year of operations, Gordon McGregor and Wallace Campbell, along with a handful of workmen produced 117 Model "C" Ford vehicles at the Walkerville Wagon Works factory.

Through marquees such as Brooks Steam, Redpath, Tudhope, McKay, Galt Gas-Electric, Gray-Dort, Brockville Atlas, C.C.M., and McLaughlin, Canada had many domestic auto brands. In 1918 McLaughlin was bought by an American firm, General Motors, and was re-branded as General Motors of Canada. Driven by the demands of World War I, Canada's automotive industry had grown, by 1923, into the second-largest in the world, although it was still made up of relatively inefficient plants producing many models behind a high tariff wall. High consumer prices and production inefficiencies characterized the Canadian auto industry prior to the signing of the 1965 Automotive Products Trade Agreement with the United States.

The 1964 Automotive Products Trade Agreement or “Auto Pact” represents the single most important factor in making the Canadian automotive industry what it is today. Key features of the Auto Pact were the 1:1 production to sales ratio and Canadian Value Added requirements.

Magna International is Canada's biggest domestic firm in the sector, and is the world's third-largest auto parts firm, producing entire vehicles at its Magna Steyr plant in Austria.

Mexico

Mexican automotive industry traditionally presented by foreign assembly plants. First was from United States after that German (famous Volkswagen Beetle was produced in Mexico more than in motherland) and other European succeded. To 1980 auto production was still non-large with output not exceed of half a million. Big growth then occured to million in 1990s and more than 2,6 million now, allowing to take 8th place in the World that is more than old auto making countries such as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Russia, Spain, France. The current domestic Mexican automobile manufacturers include Mastretta and DINA.

United States

The American automobile industry began in the 1890s and rapidly evolved into the largest automotive producer in the World through the use of mass-production. The industry began with hundreds of manufacturers, but by the end of the 1920s it became dominated by three large companies - General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. After the Great Depression and World War II, these companies continued to prosper and the US producted near 3/4 of all automobiles in the World till 1950. However, after record of production near 15 millions in some 1970s years, at the beginning and middle of that decade, a combination of high oil prices, increased competition from foreign auto manufacturers, and increasing government regulation severely affected the companies. In 1980s-1990s US auto power was overtaken by rapidly growed Japanese auto industry but in XXI century both of them are balanced and now are the second-third largest in the World (after China) with annual production of 8-10 millions. In the ensuing years, the companies periodically bounced back, but by 2008 the industry was in turmoil. As a result General Motors and Chrysler filed bankruptcy reorganization and were bailed out with loans and investments from the federal government.

Oceania

Australia

Australia first began to produce cars in 1897 with cars made by Tarrant Motor & Engineering Co. The first major Australian carmaker was the Ford Motor Company of Australia. The first Australian designed mass produced car was by Holden in 1938. Non extra-large production of vehicles achieved a maximums near 500 thousands in 1970s (10th place in the World) and 400 thousands in 2000s but reduced to some more than 200 thousands (28th place) now due to large import from Asian countries.

New Zealand

New Zealand no longer has a vehicle assembly industry for passenger cars. Changes to protection of the local industry eventually led to the closure of the assembly plants since they could not compete with foreign counterparts. The largest car companies in New Zealand are Toyota New Zealand, Ford New Zealand, and Holden New Zealand. Annual output of automotive industry achieved near 100 thousands in 1980s and then decreased due to Asian maked import. Currently, there are a number of small domestic companies producing original kit and replica cars for both the local and international markets. Several of these, while small in size are noted internationally for the quality of their workmanship.

South America

Argentina

Argentina has a long history of auto manufacturing, all of foreign designed vehicles. Having 100 thousands (12th in the World) in 1960, 200 thousands in 1970 and 300 thousands in 1980, industry down to 100 thousands in 1990 due to deep economic crisis. The restoration occured to middle of 2000s only and significant growth succeded then to annual production more than 800 thousands that is 3rd place in Latin America (after Brazil and Mexico) but 20th in the World only.

Brazil

The Brazilian automotive industry competited with other Latin American ones (Mexico and Argentina) comparably till 1960 but had two jumps then, making Brazil as regional leader at first and one of the World's leaders moreover. At the end of 1970s annual production exceeded one million and provided world's 10th place for country. After some decrease near 1990, the new and more strong growth allows Brazil to beat such old auto makers as Belgium, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, Russia, Spain, France and annual production near 3,5 millions vehicles last years that is 7th largest in the World.

The Brazilian industry in regulated by the Associação Nacional dos Fabricantes de Veículos Automotores (Anfavea), created in 1956, which includes automakers (automobiles, light vehicles, trucks and buses) and agriculture machines with factories in Brazil. Anfavea is part of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA), based in Paris. Most of large global companies are present in Brazil; such as Fiat, Volkswagen Group, Ford, General Motors, Nissan Motors, Toyota, MAN SE, Mitsubishi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Honda, Hyundai etc., and also the emerging national companies such as Troller, Marcopolo S.A., Agrale, Randon S.A., Excalibur etc, some of them traditionally produces the modern equipped replicas of oldtimers.

Chile

Small Chilean automotive industry produces annually a few thousands foreign developed vehicles only.

Colombia

Auto manufacturing in Colombia achieved output more 100 thousands per year in past times but reduced twicely last years.

Ecuador

Automotive industry of Ecuador is small with 20-40 thousands annual production.

Venezuela

Venezuelan auto manufacturing is enough large and 4th in Latin America (after Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) in but since 150-200 thousands per year assembly of US developed vehicles in 1970s-1980s down to 100 thousands European and Asian models last year.

References

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