China was the leading country in terms of passenger car production: 23.53 million units were produced here in 2018. This compares to about 8.36 million units in runner-up Japan.

Light vehicle production by country

China remained the top light vehicle producing country in 2018. Domestic manufacturers such as SAIC, Changan, Dongfeng, Geely, and BAIC - which is in a joint-venture with Daimler - 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.