Analysis of the Global Automotive Market by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA)

Analysis of the Global Automotive Market by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) 

Despite numerous challenges emerging one after another, vehicle manufacturers continue to keep this extremely important industrial sector for the global economy on a stable course. 

The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) conducted a detailed analysis of developments across global automotive markets.

Global vehicle production increased from 92.7 million units in 2024 to 96.4 million units in 2025 (+3.9%), while global sales rose from 95.3 million to 99.8 million units (+4.7%). 

Production and Sales by Continent in 2025

Asia Strengthens Its Dominance

Asia remained the main center of gravity of the global automotive industry throughout 2025. Production in the Asia-Pacific region increased by 7.6% to approximately 59.2 million vehicles, accounting for more than 61% of total global production.

Sales in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East increased from 51.39 million to 55.02 million vehicles (+7.1%), pushing the region’s share of global sales above 55%.

China maintained its dominant position, adding approximately 3.25 million vehicles in just one year and reaching a total of 34.53 million produced units. Electric vehicle production increased by 29%, reaching 16.626 million units. 

India emerged as another major growth story, with production rising to 6.49 million vehicles and record domestic sales of more than 4.6 million passenger vehicles, as well as over one million trucks and buses during fiscal year 2025/26. 

Japan remained one of the key industrial pillars, with 8.41 million vehicles produced. 

Europe Stagnates 

The European market, burdened by strict environmental regulations and intense global competition, largely stagnated, illustrating the uneven pace of the industry’s transition. 

Production declined by 0.8% to 17.2 million vehicles, while sales fell by 0.4% to 18.63 million units.

Germany remained the continent’s largest production base, but sharp declines in the United Kingdom and significant production weakness in Italy highlighted that Europe’s challenge has evolved beyond weak demand into a broader issue of difficult and uneven industrial adjustment. 

Encouragingly, frequent discussions between the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association and EU leaders continue, alongside ongoing efforts to identify the best possible solutions to the sector’s strategic challenges. 

North and South America Remain Stable

North and South America performed relatively steadily overall. Regional production declined by 2.1% to 18.74 million vehicles, while sales increased by 2.9% to 24.86 million units.

The United States remained a large and resilient market, with 10.24 million vehicles produced and 16.7 million sold. At the same time, OICA warned about growing exposure to trade and customs barriers, tariff risks and pressures stemming from U.S. administration policies.

Mexico maintained its crucial role in North American manufacturing with 4.2 million vehicles produced, while Brazil emerged as one of the region’s brightest spots, reaching production of 2.64 million units. 

Africa Is Recovering

Although still relatively small in absolute numbers, Africa delivered one of the most dynamic performances of the year. 

Vehicle sales surged by 22%, from 1.05 million to 1.29 million units, while South Africa and Morocco retained their status as strategically important industrial hubs. 

Repositioning of the Automotive Industry

According to OICA Secretary General François Roudier, the key conclusion from the 2025 production and sales data is the pronounced geographical shift and repositioning of the global automotive industry. 

“The most important question is no longer simply whether the global automotive industry is growing,” said François Roudier. “The real question is where competitiveness is moving. The 2025 data are not merely a scoreboard — they represent a map of industrial repositioning.” 

He added that OICA’s role is not only to collect data on global production and sales, but also to interpret the major structural changes reshaping mobility.

“Our task is to clearly understand these changes, measure them accurately and help ensure that the future of mobility remains safer, cleaner and smarter,” concluded OICA Secretary General François Roudier.

Source: OICA
Photo: AI