Worldwide production shifts on towards East
- In 2012, world production grew by 4.1% compared to 2011 (+5.1% for Passenger cars). Nearly 80 million vehicles were produced last year, but stocks fell (production having been lower than sales). China accounted for a quarter of world production (19.3 million units, of which 15.5 million Passenger cars).
- In 2011, global production rose by 4.9% compared to 2010. The tsunami had affected the Japanese production which fell by13% in 2011. In 2012 Japanese production increased (+20% versus 2011; catch-up effect). But in contrast production in Europe fell last year, despite robust exports.
- In 2013, a slower growth of the global production is expected (compared to 2012), due to a slowdown in markets (Europe, USA, China, Russia). Production should continue its migration to the East (Asia).
- The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) produced 36% of vehicles worldwide in 2012, and is expected to represent 38% in 2013 and probably 40% in 2014.
- It is to be noted that the American continent (North America + South America) production and the Europe at large (Europe 27 + Turkey + Russia) production were at about the same level in 2012, which had not happened since 2000 (Europe had remained ahead of America from 2000, to 2011). In 2013, the American continent will likely produce more than the great Europe (where markets are expected to decrease and plants to close).
