Worldwide car sales grew to around 78 million automobiles in 2024, up from around 75.3 million units in 2023. Throughout 2020 and 2021, the sector experienced a downward trend on the back of a slowing global economy, while COVID-19 and the Russian war on Ukraine contributed to shortages in the automotive semiconductor industry and further supply chain disruptions in 2022. Despite these challenges, 2023 and 2024 sales surpassed pre-pandemic levels and are forecast to keep rising through 2025. Covid-19 hits car demand It had been estimated pre-pandemic that international car sales were on track to reach 80 million. While 2023 sales are still far away from that goal, this was the first year were car sales exceeded pre-pandemic values. The automotive market faced various challenges in 2023, including supply shortages, automotive layoffs, and strikes in North America. However, despite these hurdles, the North American market was among the fastest-growing regions in 2024, along with Eastern Europe and Asia, as auto sales in these regions increased year-on-year. Chinese market recovers After years of double-digit growth, China's economy began to lose steam in 2022, and recovery has been slow through 2023. China was the largest automobile market based on sales with around 25.8 million units in 2023. However, monthly car sales in China were in free-fall in April 2022 partly due to shortages, fears over a looming recession, and the country grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. By June of that same year, monthly sales in China were closer to those recorded in 2021.

Global motor vehicle production increased by about 10.3 percent between 2022 and 2023, showing signs of recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the automotive industry. Further, global motor vehicle production output surpassed pre-pandemic values. While about 92 million motor vehicles were manufactured worldwide in 2019, some 94 million were produced in 2023. Trend of declining sales and production The decline in production started in 2017 as manufacturers were beginning to respond to a general slowdown in demand. While commercial vehicle sales increased between 2017 and 2019, the segment was impacted by the pandemic, sales dropping by nine percent in 2020. In 2021, the market slightly recovered with a six-percent-increase in sales year-over-year, and ultimately increased from 2022 to 2023. Industry hit heavily by the pandemic The coronavirus pandemic has caused disruptions in major economies forcing strict lockdown measures in some regions. The standstill was first seen in China, the world’s largest producer of cars and commercial vehicles, and quickly spreading throughout the world. Globally, motor vehicle production declined by more than 15 percent year-on-year between 2019 and 2020, the largest drop in output since the 2008-09 financial crisis.

Motor vehicle production increased in all regions in 2023. The growth rate of motor vehicle production in Europe reached 13 percent compared to the previous year. In contrast, the production value of the motor vehicle manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth of Independent Stats increased by 23 percent compared to the 2022 level. In 2023, the global production of passenger cars increased by over six million units compared with 2022.

In 2023, some 94 million motor vehicles were produced worldwide. This figure translates into an increase of around 10 percent compared with the previous year. China, Japan, and Germany were among the largest producers of cars and commercial vehicles. China leads production China is ranked as the largest passenger car manufacturer in the world, having produced more than 26 million cars in 2023, and accounting for almost one third of the world’s passenger vehicle production. Over the past decades, China has emerged as one of the main growth markets for players in the global automobile industry. American manufacturers in China One of China’s largest car manufacturing companies is the joint venture between General Motors and SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, known as Shanghai General Motors Company Ltd or simply Shanghai GM. GM produces and sells passenger vehicles under the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands, among others. Aside from manufacturing cars, the company also produces engines and transmission systems. Shanghai GM’s production amounted to a little over 1.3 million units in 2021.

Car Production in China increased to 2815000 Units in August from 2591000 Units in July of 2025. This dataset provides - China Car Production- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date: Cars and LCV data was reported at 366,510.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 234,341.000 Unit for Feb 2025. Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date: Cars and LCV data is updated monthly, averaging 716,821.500 Unit from Dec 2010 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 172 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,452,881.000 Unit in Dec 2024 and a record low of 92,657.000 Unit in Jan 2022. Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date: Cars and LCV data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Automotive Industry Association. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Czech Republic – Table CZ.RA002: Motor Vehicle Production.

Total Vehicle Sales in the United States increased to 16.40 Million in September from 16.10 Million in August of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United States Total Vehicle Sales - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Rest of the World data was reported at 2,806,661.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 2,681,137.000 Unit for 2010. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Rest of the World data is updated yearly, averaging 997,666.500 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2,806,661.000 Unit in 2011 and a record low of 690,520.000 Unit in 2002. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Rest of the World data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: Rest of the World data was reported at 307,308.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 286,056.000 Unit for 2010. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: Rest of the World data is updated yearly, averaging 266,816.000 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 323,252.000 Unit in 2009 and a record low of 152,051.000 Unit in 2002. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: Rest of the World data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

In 2023, around 13.1 million commercial vehicles were produced in North America. Commercial vehicle production fell globally between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including North American production, but picked back up in 2022. The region remained the leading commercial vehicle producer, with around one in two commercial vehicles manufactured in North America in 2023. Trucks move the U.S. economy Pickups and light trucks such as the Ford F-450 were extremely popular in the United States, straddling commercial and personal use. Additionally, their heavy-duty counterparts sold well in a market that has active agricultural, manufacturing, and construction industries. One of the largest commercial vehicle segments in the United States was road freight, as trucks accounted for about 62 percent of freight movements in the country in 2020. U.S. truckers hauled about 10 billion tons worth of goods across large distances of the country on highways and to areas not served by rail. Slowing global demand A downturn in the global economy and its impact on commercial vehicle demand posed a concern for manufacturers in 2022. The impact of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic on the transportation and logistics industry is still being felt across the industry, with manufacturing plants continuing to struggle due to national lockdowns and global demand dropping. However, the supply chain struggled with this rise in demand as semiconductor stocks remain dwindling, leading to a global automotive semiconductor shortage which impacted manufacturers' output and inventory.

Germany Motor Vehicle Production: EU data was reported at 17,904,144.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 17,123,566.000 Unit for 2010. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: EU data is updated yearly, averaging 17,513,855.000 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 19,828,727.000 Unit in 2007 and a record low of 15,338,745.000 Unit in 2009. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: EU data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

Global vehicle sales have experienced significant fluctuations over the past two decades, with 2023 marking a return to pre-pandemic levels. The industry saw a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a gradual recovery. However, the semiconductor shortage in 2022 led to inventory issues and a slight decrease in sales. Despite these challenges, the market rebounded strongly in 2023, surpassing 92 million units sold worldwide. Recovery and future outlook The automotive industry's resilience is evident in its rapid recovery from the pandemic-induced slump. Light vehicle sales are projected to increase by 1.8 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, with further growth of 2.5 percent expected in 2025. This positive trend is supported by the rebounding sales in China, the world's largest automotive market, and the growing demand for electric vehicles. The global production of motor vehicles reached 94 million units in 2023. Electric vehicles driving growth The shift towards electric vehicles is playing a crucial role in the industry's growth. In 2023, plug-in electric light vehicle sales reached an estimated 13.7 million units globally. This surge in demand is particularly noticeable in China and Europe's largest markets. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and semiconductor shortages, the electric car market experienced record growth, with market share increasing significantly. However, as government subsidies for electric vehicles begin to be rolled back in some countries, the industry may face new challenges in maintaining this growth momentum.

Germany Motor Vehicle Production: World data was reported at 80,271,475.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 77,558,374.000 Unit for 2010. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: World data is updated yearly, averaging 66,568,251.500 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 80,271,475.000 Unit in 2011 and a record low of 57,941,342.000 Unit in 2002. Germany Motor Vehicle Production: World data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date data was reported at 368,000.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 235,305.000 Unit for Feb 2025. Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date data is updated monthly, averaging 720,290.500 Unit from Dec 2010 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 172 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,458,279.000 Unit in Dec 2024 and a record low of 93,283.000 Unit in Jan 2022. Czech Republic Motor Vehicle Production: Year to Date data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Automotive Industry Association. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Czech Republic – Table CZ.RA002: Motor Vehicle Production.

In 2023, the EBIT margin for global automakers was three percentage points above the margins recorded by automotive suppliers. This has been an ongoing trend since 2020, when OEMs' profit margins surpassed those of suppliers in parts due to the supply chain disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. To face these shortages, automakers were able to raise prices and focus production on models with higher margins, while suppliers could not rely on similar strategies.

Motor Vehicle Production: EU: Germany data was reported at 6,311,108.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,905,985.000 Unit for 2010. Motor Vehicle Production: EU: Germany data is updated yearly, averaging 5,788,662.000 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,311,108.000 Unit in 2011 and a record low of 5,209,857.000 Unit in 2009. Motor Vehicle Production: EU: Germany data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

This table provides information about the development of the turnover of the motorcycle and car sector (SBI 2008 division 45). The development is shown using indices and as a percentage change compared to the same period in the previous year. The data can be broken down into a number of branches according to the Standard Industrial Classification (SBI) 2008. Data available from the 1st quarter of 2005 to the 4th quarter of 2017. Status of the figures: Figures for 2017 are provisional, the other figures are final. Changes as of June 20, 2018: None, the table has been discontinued. When will new numbers come out? Not applicable anymore. This table has been replaced by a new table on 25 May 2018 following the five-yearly base shift. For more information about the base shift, see section 3.

China was the leading country in terms of passenger car production in 2023: around 26.1 million units were produced here. This compares to about 7.8 million units in runner-up Japan. Light vehicle production by country China remained the top light vehicle producing country in 2023. Domestic manufacturers such as SAIC, Changan, Dongfeng, Geely, and BAIC - which is in a joint-venture with Mercedes-Benz Group - are gaining market share; joint ventures with foreign partners were the key to China’s success as a motor vehicle producer, both in the passenger car and the truck segment. Japan, Germany, India, and South Korea completed the list of the world’s largest car producers. Most of these countries are home to the major manufacturers of passenger vehicles. The leading car manufacturers worldwide include Germany’s Volkswagen Group and the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. What are passenger cars? According to the source, passenger cars are motor vehicles with at least four wheels, used for the transport of passengers, and comprising no more than eight seats in addition to the driver's seat.

Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: EU: ow Germany data was reported at 439,400.000 Unit in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 353,576.000 Unit for 2010. Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: EU: ow Germany data is updated yearly, averaging 392,688.000 Unit from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2011, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 513,700.000 Unit in 2008 and a record low of 245,334.000 Unit in 2009. Motor Vehicle Production: Commercial Vehicle: EU: ow Germany data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by German Association of the Automotive Industry. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Germany – Table DE.RA003: Motor Vehicle Production: Yearly.

In terms of revenue, Toyota and Volkswagen were the leading automakers worldwide as of May 2024. In terms of vehicle sales, Toyota and Volkswagen are also counted among the most successful automakers worldwide. The emergence of China as an exceptional market Before the coronavirus crisis of 2019-2020, the global automotive industry was hit hard by the financial crisis of 2008-2009, and General Motors declared its roughly 91 billion U.S. dollar bankruptcy following the crisis. In 2009, passenger car sales slumped in most markets, except for China, which emerged as the key sales market for passenger cars. The return of the crisis Chinese manufacturers cut the cord from their joint venture partners from other parts of Asia and the Western world a long time ago, and the global automotive industry has begun to feel the impact Chinese motor vehicles and parts manufacturers have. In 2020, the car market was in free-fall again. However, China was also affected this time. The global automotive chip shortage further impacted the industry in 2021 and 2022, leading to a slump in vehicle inventory despite rising demand. By 2023, some improvements were recorded on the global level.