China to Surpass European Vehicle Output in 2011, Canada to Lead Increase in North America: Scotia Economics (25/02/11)

Automakers are increasing production to meet rising demand for vehicles, according to the latest Global Auto Report from Scotia Economics.

It predicts China will overtake Europe as the number one producer of vehicles as it increases full-year output by 17 per cent to 21 million units.

The second largest economy will produce 28 per cent of the world's vehicles, more than double the 13 per cent it accounted for in 2008.

Europe will not miss out, however, as soaring car sales in China drive up production in the continent, especially Germany.

In North America, Canada is expected to lead the growth, while the US and Mexico are also predicted to increase production.

"During the latest financial reporting season, virtually every automaker increased their full-year 2011 global sales forecast and boosted their production schedule for the opening months of 2011," said Carlos Gomes, senior economist at Scotia Economics.

Volkswagen Profit Beats Ford With Nine Factories in China Powering Sales (25/02/11)

Volkswagen's profits increased seven-fold last year off the back of heightening demand from China.

The Germany automaker posted net income of €6.84 billion (£5.97 billion), taking it ahead of Ford, which reported a profit of $6.56 billion (£4.04 billion) for last year.

VW hopes to surpass Toyota as the world's largest carmaker by volume within the next seven years, with the focus on emerging markets including Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Demand for cars is so strong that the firm had to halt production at its main Wolfsburg factory and a plant in Emden on January 31st because of difficulties in sourcing raw materials for making vehicles.

The Great Brazil - Russia Auto Race (25/02/11)

Russia and Brazil are booming auto markets, with signs these emerging economies could be driving vehicle production in years to come.

Hyundai has started work on a new production plant that will have the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles a year when it begins work in 2012.

In Russia, Fiat is commencing work on a plant that will produce 300,000 vehicles a year with Jeep, while Sollers has dropped the Italian manufacturer and signed an agreement with Ford to build 300,000 cars annually.

Brazil is on track to become the third-biggest auto producer in the world by 2015, while Russia is set to overtake Germany as Europe's car making centre.

Toyota Lead Sixth Straight Drop in Japan's Monthly Auto Sales (01/03/11)

Toyota and Honda led the sixth consecutive drop in auto sales in Japan following the end of a government subsidy programme.

Sales of cars, trucks and buses fell 14 per cent year-on-year in February, with Toyota seeing a 21 per cent drop in deliveries.

Japan's third-largest auto maker Honda saw sales fall 16 per cent, while Nissan reported an eight per cent decline.

Volkswagen Adding Shifts on 'Strong' First Quarter Demand (10/03/11)

Rising demand for Volkswagen cars is seeing the firm increase shifts at its factories.

The German car maker has seen orders across its brands increase by 18 per cent in the first two months of the year.

"VW moved into the fast lane in 2010 and that is where we intend to stay in the current year," chief executive officer Martin Winterkorn said.

"We're now laying the foundations for profitable growth in all segments and business fields." 

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