Global Auto Production, U.S. Sales Forecast Upbeat
Industry expected to grow as economies leave recession fears behind and inflation subsides.
Ford has been cutting production of the electric Mach-E while ramping up Maverick pickup output, the forecast pointed out.
IMAGE: Ford
Worldwide light-vehicle production is forecast to increase this year as the specter of recession conditions has receded from multiple regions, according to AutoForecast Monthly.
The publication expects production to reach 91.1 million units, up from its earlier forecast of 90.8 million. It cited better economic conditions in the Asia-Pacific and Western Europe regions.
North American production is projected to be flat this year at 16 million units as manufacturers scale back electric-vehicle output due to consumer demand failing to meet earlier expectations, though hybrid and gas-powered vehicle demand are balancing that, AutoForecast says. One example it gave is Ford’s increase in Maverick production as it cuts Mach-E numbers.
It forecasts Asia-Pacific production to reach 51.7 million, up almost 300,000 units from its earlier projection and driven largely by Japan and South Korea.
Meanwhile, light-vehicle sales in the U.S. are expected to increase from the post-pandemic best of 15.6 million last year to about 16 million as recession fears fade and inflation falls, the publication says. Expected interest rate cuts would contribute to the upswing.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry
Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →