In this analysis of world automotive markets, a historical review of the North American, European, Asian and Brazilian automotive manufacture is presented. Analysis of the impact of available energy sources, customer needs and preferences, the transportation infrastructure and government regulations provides a basis for understanding the history of the industry. Analysis shows that these four markets have experienced the interaction of different historical factors, but have evolved to become members of the same global automotive market, facing the same challenges.
Numerous trends are developing in each of the major automotive markets which are opportunities for global market collaboration and standardization. These opportunities for harmonization of efforts would enable automakers to meet the needs of the customer and contribute responsibly to the resolution of global transportation problems.