Worldwide car sales grew to around ** million automobiles in 2024, up from around **** 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 and 2026. Covid-19 hits car demand It had been estimated pre-pandemic that international car sales were on track to reach ** 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 **** 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.

In 2023, around 27.45 million vehicles were sold globally. This is an increase of around 13.3 percent compared to 2022 sales. The United States is the largest market for commercial vehicles that year.

Germany was the largest supplier of passenger motor vehicles worldwide, globally exporting around 177.2 billion U.S. dollars worth of these vehicles. Japan, which reported some 110.9 billion U.S. dollars in exports, was second in the ranking. These two countries were the only ones to record exports over 100 billion U.S. dollars. Automotive parts and vehicle imports While Germany leads in vehicle exports, it also excels in supplying automotive parts and accessories to the rest of the world. In 2023, Germany exported nearly 66.5 billion U.S. dollars worth of these goods worldwide, outpacing China and the United States. This demonstrates Germany's relative strength in the automotive sector, encompassing both finished vehicles and components. Interestingly, the United States emerges as the largest importer of passenger vehicles, spending nearly 210.3 billion U.S. dollars on imports in 2023, more than double the value recorded by Germany. Re-exports and commercial vehicles The automotive trade landscape extends beyond new vehicle exports. The United Kingdom stands out as the largest supplier of re-exported passenger motor vehicles, with a re-export value of nearly 25.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. In the commercial vehicle segment, Spain has a slight lead in re-exports, recording over 985.2 million U.S. dollars worth. The United States plays a significant role in commercial vehicle imports, bringing in around 43.7 billion U.S. dollars worth of medium or heavy trucks in 2023, more than double the value imported by Canada.

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.

The average for 2023 based on 57 countries was 1102394 passenger cars. The highest value was in China: 26062824 passenger cars and the lowest value was in Bulgaria: 35764 passenger cars. The indicator is available from 2005 to 2023. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

In 2024, General Motors sold six million vehicles. This compares to around 6.2 million units in 2023, representing a decline of around 3.04 percent year-over-year. Turbulent past years still impact GM GM’s brands include Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac, the first two of which were ranked within the top-eleven automobile manufacturers based on U.S. vehicle sales in the fourth quarter of 2023. Figures revealed a significant industry-wide stagnation two years earlier, in 2021, with industry sales increasing by under two percent compared to 2020. Sales had started to rebound in the fourth quarter of 2020, but the global chip shortage further impacted the sector in 2021, shrinking vehicle production and inventory. These automotive supply chain issues were exacerbated in 2022, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, General Motors had to contend with the United Auto Workers strike. This strike led to an estimated 4.35 billion U.S. dollars in losses for the Detroit Three manufacturers (General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford), and contributed to shaping GM's year. GM accelerates future-proof innovations With Tesla infamously driving innovation in the field of electric vehicles (EV), General Motors, along with other incumbent car manufacturers, are set to join the fiercely competitive U.S. electric vehicle industry. In 2024, Tesla sold around 633,800 battery-electric vehicle units in the U.S. market. General Motors, however, plans to invest around 20 billion U.S. dollars in its EV product portfolio, including SUVs and pickups, by 2025. As of 2024, General Motors Company is also exploring artificial intelligence technology. To that end, GM partnered with Google in August 2023.

Worldwide motor vehicle production amounted to more than 92.5 million units in 2024. Some 73 percent of the motor vehicle production was generated by the passenger cars segment, amounting to almost 67.7 million units. Chinese market recovery China is the world’s largest producer and consumer of passenger cars. This means that any change in production and sales in the Chinese automotive market will be noticeable in global figures. The Chinese economy has grown in tandem with vehicle production and sales. However, between 2016 and 2019, this growth slowed. Motorists in China have been unable to afford new cars due to lower employment levels and higher prices that came as a result of higher tariffs. Between December 2019 and March 2020, the economy was hit hard by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The automotive market cratered in February but rebounded soon thereafter. Chinese motorists purchased over 27 million passenger cars and more than 3.8 million commercial vehicles in 2023. COVID-19 and the motor vehicle industry The coronavirus outbreak brought many nations and their economies to a grinding halt in 2020. The effect on the motor vehicle industry was particularly noticeable. Many manufacturing facilities across the world were shut down to prevent the spreading of the virus. However, the industry has partially recovered since, showing an upward production output trend that remains below the pre-pandemic levels.

Key information about Georgia Number of Registered Vehicles

• Georgia Number of Registered Vehicles was reported at 1,680,400 Unit in Dec 2023.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 1,563,200 Unit for Dec 2022.
• Georgia Number of Registered Vehicles data is updated yearly, averaging 831,600 Unit from Dec 1999 to 2023, with 23 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 1,680,400 Unit in 2023 and a record low of 313,700 Unit in 2000.
• Georgia Number of Registered Vehicles data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: No of Registered Vehicles: Annual.

Global car and automobile manufacturers have faced numerous challenges over the past decade, given major exogenous shocks, shifting consumer preferences and supply chain disruptions. In particular, significant technological improvements, particularly regarding hybrid and electric vehicles, internal combustion engine fuel efficiency, infotainment development and autonomous driving capabilities, coupled with rising per capita disposable income, have spurred global demand from the growing global middle class. Additionally, strong economic recoveries in most developed and emerging nations following the pandemic have spurred climbing motorization rates and vehicle registrations. Overall, revenue has climbed at an expected CAGR of 1.0% to $2.9 trillion through the current period, including a 2.5% jump in 2025. Profit will climb to 4.7% at the end of the current period as hybrid and electric models perform better and input costs wane. Aluminum and steel are significant inputs for most automakers. Most input manufacturers cut production amid the pandemic, leaving automakers with supply chain shortages and long lead times, especially as automotive demand rebounded following the pandemic. Semiconductors and other integral electronic component manufacturers also failed to meet automaker's demand, exacerbating supply chain issues. Despite these issues, manufacturers have successfully pushed costs onto consumers, expanding profit. Even so, flourishing demand has enabled most automakers to begin recoveries. Many companies have also expressed greater supply chain oversight following disruptions, leading to more nearshoring, vertical integration and strategic partnerships and alliances. Even so, labor strikes, union demands and lingering economic uncertainty have contributed to volatility. Revenue for automakers will swell at an expected CAGR of 2.2% to $3.2 trillion through the outlook period as the industry rides climbing global per capita income and continued growth in developing economies. Global manufacturers will continue to invest heavily in technology and innovation, making waves with new electric and autonomous driving technologies. Companies will also lean on government support regarding electric and hybrid vehicle technology. Even so, tariff policies may restrict many facets of trade, preventing automakers from purchasing some foreign inputs or seamlessly accessing certain export markets.

Global Motor Vehicles market size is expected to reach $3701.95 billion by 2029 at 7.4%, rising demand for electric vehicles fuels growth in the motor vehicles market

In 2023, the United States was the country which imported the most passenger vehicles, including cars. That year, the U.S. spent nearly 210.3 billion U.S. dollars on vehicle imports, which was well over double the import value recorded by Germany, which was second in the ranking.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data was reported at 482.821 Unit th in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 511.215 Unit th for May 2018. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data is updated monthly, averaging 697.250 Unit th from Jan 1976 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 510 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,213.100 Unit th in Sep 1986 and a record low of 312.800 Unit th in Jan 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Quantity: Light Vehicle: Autos data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Economic Analysis. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.H017: Motor Vehicles Sale: Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Key information about Israel Number of Registered Vehicles

• Israel Number of Registered Vehicles was reported at 4,050,449 Unit in Sep 2024.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 4,037,575 Unit for Aug 2024.
• Israel Number of Registered Vehicles data is updated monthly, averaging 2,631,280 Unit from Nov 2000 to Sep 2024, with 287 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 4,050,449 Unit in Sep 2024 and a record low of 1,745,288 Unit in Nov 2000.
• Israel Number of Registered Vehicles data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: No of Registered Vehicles: Monthly.

Adults surveyed in India, the Middle East, and China mostly affirmed the pandemic made them reconsider the number of vehicles needed in their households. At 80 percent, India recorded the highest share of respondents in agreement with the statement. By contrast, the majority of European countries surveyed scored below 50 percent, with France and Germany coming in at the bottom of the ranking with 28 and 25 percent respectively.

This graph illustrates the estimated number of hybrid electric vehicles in use worldwide from 2013 through 2015. In 2013, there were about *** million hybrid electric vehicles on roads around the world.

Austria Number of Vehicle Registrations: New: Other Vehicles data was reported at 194.000 Unit in Feb 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 221.000 Unit for Jan 2025. Austria Number of Vehicle Registrations: New: Other Vehicles data is updated monthly, averaging 174.500 Unit from Jan 2000 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 302 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 779.000 Unit in Jun 2021 and a record low of 43.000 Unit in Feb 2007. Austria Number of Vehicle Registrations: New: Other Vehicles data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Austria. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Austria – Table AT.TA001: Number of New Vehicle Registrations. Prior to December 2006, Self Propelled Work Machines were included. [COVID-19-IMPACT]

Global car sharing use is on and upward trend, with the number of users increasing to 57 million in 2024. Global user numbers are projected to rise to over 68 million by 2029.

With related revenue of around 55.9 billion U.S. dollars in its 2023 fiscal year, Bosch was ranked as the world's largest automotive supplier that year. Bosch began to rise up through the ranks in 2014 when the company acquired ZF Friedrichshafen's steering systems. This move helped ZF seal a deal to acquire Michigan-based TRW. In 2016, other corporate actions included Johnson and Johnson's automotive seating business spin-off, which is henceforth known as Adient. The leading automotive suppliers worldwide Although motor vehicles are typically sold under a brand name, virtually all automotive manufacturing companies restrict themselves to designing and assembling automotive parts or component groups, most of which are provided by external suppliers. The auto parts that are likely to be manufactured by automotive supplier firms include exteriors, interiors and air conditioning components, electrical and electronic equipment, vehicle chassis, and powertrains. New challenges emerge for auto suppliers In light of growing environmental awareness and an increasing desire to connect vehicles to the internet, automotive suppliers are faced with a variety of new challenges. Market trends such as the shift to lighter materials, as well as the trend towards electric vehicles and alternative fuel powertrains are set to shake up the automotive industry. It is expected that automotive suppliers will respond to changing market trends by increased spending on research and development activities.

Estonia Number of Vehicles: Newly Registered: Passenger Cars data was reported at 1,758.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,182.000 Unit for Feb 2025. Estonia Number of Vehicles: Newly Registered: Passenger Cars data is updated monthly, averaging 3,773.000 Unit from Jan 1993 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 387 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 7,685.000 Unit in May 2006 and a record low of 960.000 Unit in Jan 2000. Estonia Number of Vehicles: Newly Registered: Passenger Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics Estonia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Estonia – Table EE.TA005: Number of Vehicles: Newly Registered.

Key information about Bulgaria Number of Registered Vehicles

• Bulgaria Number of Registered Vehicles was reported at 3,428,684 Unit in Dec 2022.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 3,347,127 Unit for Dec 2021.
• Bulgaria Number of Registered Vehicles data is updated yearly, averaging 2,850,775 Unit from Dec 1993 to 2022, with 30 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,667,247 Unit in 2015 and a record low of 1,788,955 Unit in 1993.
• Bulgaria Number of Registered Vehicles data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Global Economic Monitor – Table: No of Registered Vehicles: Annual.