Who’s Building the World’s Cars—And Who’s Buying

From mega-factories to EV booms—where production meets demand.

Author

Philip Saparov
August 22, 2025

In partnership with

Greetings, curious traveler of trends and transportation!

Cars are everywhere—but their story is anything but ordinary. From roaring factories in China to silent EVs in Norway, the auto industry is rewriting the rules of mobility.

Who’s making the most? Who’s buying the fastest? And who’s already racing ahead into an electric future?

Buckle up. This ride spans continents—and the road ahead might surprise you.

From Italy to a Nasdaq Reservation

How do you follow record-setting success? Get stronger. Take Pacaso. Their real estate co-ownership tech set records in Paris and London in 2024. No surprise. Coldwell Banker says 40% of wealthy Americans plan to buy abroad within a year. So adding 10+ new international destinations, including three in Italy, is big. They even reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the NASDAQ is subject to approvals.

It wasn’t long ago that China was barely visible in the car world. Now, it’s everywhere. In 2024, China produced over 30 million vehicles—nearly a third of the global total. And it’s not just making cars for itself. It recently overtook Japan to become the world’s largest auto exporter.

Where China really pulls ahead is in electric vehicles (EVs). Brands like BYD, NIO, and XPeng are now serious challengers to Western giants. EVs are not just trendy here—they’re government-backed, city-required, and often the default.

🔍 Did you know?
Over 50% of vehicles exported from China in 2024 were electric—and Europe bought most of them.

Japan still holds tight to its global reputation for quality and precision. In 2024, it produced nearly 9 million vehicles, and its brands—Toyota, Honda, Nissan—are household names on nearly every continent.

But while much of the world races toward EVs, Japan is charting its own course. The focus? Hybrids and hydrogen. Toyota in particular believes in a broader energy mix, betting that batteries alone won’t carry the future.

🔍 Insight to keep in your back pocket:
Toyota sold more cars globally in 2024 than any other company—thanks largely to hybrid sales.

The U.S. may not dominate auto production like it once did, but a transformation is underway. In 2024, the country made just over 10 million vehicles, with growing investments in EVs, batteries, and green tech.

Tesla leads the electric charge, but Ford, GM, and dozens of startups are right behind. Government incentives are fueling this shift, and new “gigafactories” are popping up in states like Georgia, Kentucky, and Texas.

🔍 Eye on the horizon:
By 2030, the U.S. aims for 50% of all new car sales to be electric. The infrastructure race is on.

Germany’s reputation for luxury and craftsmanship is unmatched. It’s the home of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen—and it still ranks among the world’s top carmakers. But there’s turbulence in the transition to EVs.

The country’s manufacturing strength lies in combustion engines. EVs disrupt that—and China is now eating into Germany’s export markets. Still, Germany is investing billions in clean energy and high-performance electric models.

🔍 Telling stat:
In 2023, 1 in 4 new cars sold in Germany was electric—but most weren’t made by German brands.

South Korea may not always get the spotlight, but it's a quiet giant in the auto world. Hyundai and Kia produce over 7 million cars annually—and are now winning awards for design, safety, and innovation.

Beyond cars, Korea dominates the EV battery market. Names like LG Energy Solution and SK On power electric vehicles around the world. So even if your car isn’t Korean, its battery very well might be.

🔍 Fact you’ll want to share:
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 outsold Tesla’s Model Y in parts of Europe last year. Yes, really.

India has officially entered the fast lane. In 2024, it passed Japan to become the third-largest car market by sales. Affordable compact cars and a booming middle class are powering the growth, alongside local brands like Tata and Mahindra.

Global automakers are taking notice. Suzuki, Hyundai, and even Tesla are expanding in India. And with growing interest in two-wheeled EVs, India may chart a unique course in clean mobility.

🔍 Trend to watch:
EV two-wheelers (scooters, bikes) are booming in India—growing 36% in just one year.

Let’s zoom out. In the U.S., big trucks still rule. In Europe, small electric cars squeeze through tight cities. In China, luxury EV sedans are flying off the lots. But across all regions, one thing is clear: the world is shifting toward cleaner, quieter, smarter vehicles.

Emerging markets, however, are still navigating affordability. That’s where used EV imports, leasing models, and light electric vehicles come in—opening the door to broader adoption.

🔍 Looking ahead:
By 2035, nearly 2 out of every 3 cars sold globally could be electric. The race has only just begun.

Whether you drive a family SUV, a sleek EV, or a faithful hybrid, your car’s story began long before you turned the key.

This race isn’t just about engines and style—it’s about innovation, adaptation, and the choices shaping our shared future.

Stay curious, stay connected… and keep your foot lightly on the gas. The next turn could change everything.

Warm regards,

Shane Fulmer
Founder, WorldPopulationReview.com

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