China May Surpass Europe in Auto Output in 2013

Automakers are likely to build 19.6 million cars and light-duty trucks in China this year compared with an estimated 18.3 million units to be made in Europe (including Russia and Turkey), according to the Financial Times.

The newspaper bases its forecast on projections from five forecasting groups, all of which expect China to surpass Europe in light-vehicle production output in 2013 for the first time ever. Output in 2012 totaled an estimated 17.8 million units in China and 18.9 million units in Europe.

The forecast reflects slumping sales in Europe, which are expected to continue into 2014.

The FT predicts auto production will grow 10% in China and 5% in the U.S. this year. Those increases will more than offset declines of 3% in Europe and 7% in Japan, resulting in a 2% increase in global output in 2013. Worldwide auto production climbed nearly 5% in 2012.