In 2010, the global fleet of motor vehicles surpassed the one billion-unit mark for the first time. In China, there were 78 million vehicles in operation, making it the second ranked country after the United States for vehicle use as of 2010. In recent years the increase in the registration of new vehicles in China has been occurring at a significant and rapid rate.

In 2011, China manufactured 18.4 million vehicles and was the leading car producer for the third consecutive year. However, foreign brands dominate the Chinese automobile production industry. Volkswagen plans to invest over 10 billion euros in China by 2015, while the VW-Suzuki alliance group produced 2.1 million vehicles as of 2010. Facing fierce competition from foreign carmakers within their domestic market, Chinese car manufacturers are looking for new markets overseas. In 2011, China increased automobile exports to a total of 850,000 units.

The topics import and export market in China and automobile sales in China are presented in separate dossiers.

Overview of the most important facts:

Worldwide automobile production from 2000 to 2011

Production of cars in China from 2001 to 2012

China's share of the global car market in 2010 and 2011 and a forecast up to and including 2025

Car production by OEM Alliance Groups in China in 2010 and a forecast up to 2017

Share of joint venture productions of Chinese car manufacturers in 2010, with a forecast for 2017

Forecast of the number of auto plants in China from 2010 up to 2015

Number of locally-manufactured car models and automobile platforms in 2010 and forecast for 2015

Photo: istockphoto.com / hronos7, henrik5000

• • Global automobile production overview
  • Key figures to China's automobile market
• • Automobile production in China