Profile of the Automobile and Motor Vehicle Industry

The motor vehicle industry is one of the world's largest. More than 1 billion vehicles are in use around theworld, and 80 million are produced and sold annually. Motor vehicles-including passenger cars, trucks, andcommercial vehicles such as buses and taxis-are theprincipal means by which people and goods are transportedwithin and among most communities in theworld. This book details the history of the motor vehicleand of the leading carmakers. Inside, you'll learn justhow cars are made and sold; the leading suppliers ofparts that go into a car; the increasing role of governmentin regulating vehicles; and future challenges forthe industry. The motor vehicle industry includes corporationsthat design, develop, and manufacture cars and trucks. These carmakers, such as Ford and Toyota, are amongthe world's most-familiar corporate brands. The motorvehicle industry also encompasses lesser-known businesses,including several thousand parts makers, tens ofthousands of retailers, and specialized lending agencies. The importance of the motor vehicle industry transcendseven its central role in the global economy. Theindustry was responsible for many of the fundamentalinnovations of 20th century production, such ascorporate organization, manufacturing processes, andlabor relations, as well as sales innovations includingproduct branding and consumer financing. In the 21stcentury, the motor vehicle industry has been a leaderin adopting new production strategies and expandinginto new markets.