Accountants representing the global car manufacturing industry have recently finalised figures for 2024, reporting that 67,674,745 cars were produced worldwide. While the number appears substantial, it falls short when measured against the world’s growing population of eight billion, highlighting a significant underproduction compared to other mass-consumer goods like radios, phones, and personal computers, which have achieved greater economies of scale.
There is a growing call for carmakers to follow a similar path, producing more affordable, basic vehicles to meet the needs of less wealthy consumers while maintaining production of high-end models for affluent buyers. Newer cars remain leaner, greener, safer, and more efficient, reinforcing the importance of expanding access across all income levels.
China maintained its dominant position in 2024, manufacturing 27.47 million cars across all segments. Japan followed with 7.13 million units, and India with 4.99 million. Germany and South Korea were close behind, producing 4.06 million and 3.84 million cars respectively. Spain (1.91 million) and Brazil (1.89 million) performed strongly, while the Czech Republic notably outproduced the United States, building 1.45 million cars compared to America’s 1.43 million, reflecting the US’s shifting focus towards trucks, commercial vehicles, and buses. Indonesia (1.02 million) completed the top 10 list.
The UK’s sharp decline in car production has sparked concern, especially with the anticipated halt of Jaguar’s production line, which could worsen its standing. Meanwhile, Italy’s output (309,758) marked a significant fall, with Belgium (201,561) and Austria (71,785) also experiencing steep declines. The Netherlands witnessed a staggering 94% drop in production, falling to just 7,403 cars in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Further afield, Australia, once a robust car producer, built no cars at all last year, marking a complete collapse of its auto manufacturing industry. Observers warn that other nations with struggling production lines, such as the Netherlands, could face a similar fate if corrective action is not taken.
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