In 2024, more than 92 million cars and commercial vehicles were produced at factories worldwide. Despite a slight decline in overall output by 1% compared to the previous year, the sector remains one of the key pillars of the global economy.
China once again confirmed its status as the world leader, manufacturing over 31 million vehicles. This is nearly three times more than in the United States, which took second place. Japan rounds out the top three, though both countries saw a drop in production: output in the US fell by 12%, and in Japan by 9%.
China, the US, and Japan accounted for 54% of all cars produced globally. The Chinese automotive industry continues to grow thanks to domestic demand, the active adoption of electric vehicles, and expanding exports. Passenger cars dominate China’s production structure, totaling 27.5 million units, while 3.8 million commercial vehicles were manufactured.
In contrast, the US focuses primarily on commercial vehicles: in 2024, 9.1 million such vehicles were manufactured there, compared to just 1.4 million passenger cars. Japan also maintains a significant production volume despite the downturn.
Among rapidly developing markets, India and Mexico stand out. These countries are strengthening their positions in the global automotive industry, driven by changes in global supply chains and increasing domestic demand. Brazil is also showing positive momentum, gradually rising in the ranking of the world’s largest producers.
In 2024, Spain retained its place among the world’s top ten car manufacturers, despite a 3% decrease in production. Nearly 2.38 million cars and commercial vehicles were assembled in the country over the year. This allowed Spain to remain among the global leaders, although competition from new players is intensifying.
Other traditionally strong markets, such as South Korea and Germany, also experienced a slight decline in production volumes—by 3% and 1%, respectively. Nevertheless, both countries continue to rank among the world’s top ten car manufacturers.
Experts note that the global automotive industry is undergoing a period of transformation. Against the backdrop of growing popularity of electric vehicles, changes in logistics, and increased competition from emerging countries, European manufacturers, including Spain, are having to adjust to new conditions. In the coming years, a further redistribution of market shares and a stronger role for fast-growing economies are expected.
For Spain, maintaining its position among the world’s top ten producers remains a key priority. The automotive industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy, providing jobs and export revenue. In a changing market, Spanish companies must seek new avenues for growth and invest in innovation to remain competitive on the global stage.
