In 1980, the U.S. produced 56 times more vehicles than China. China's vehicle production has been growing since then, while U.S. vehicle production was hit hard in the recent economic downturn. In the year 2008, China produced 9.5 million vehicles, while the U.S. produced 8.7 million vehicles.

Vehicles Produced in the U.S. and China, 1980-2008
Image

Supporting Information

Vehicle Production in the U.S. and China, 1980-2008 (Million Vehicles)
YearU.S.China
19808.010.14
19817.940.11
19826.990.13
19839.220.24
198410.920.32
198511.650.44
198611.340.37
198710.930.47
198811.240.65
198910.870.59
19909.780.51
19918.810.71
19929.711.06
199310.871.30
199412.261.35
199512.011.43
199611.851.46
199712.151.58
199812.031.63
199913.051.83
200012.802.07
200111.452.33
200212.303.34
200312.124.55
200411.995.07
200511.985.67
200611.297.57
200710.788.89
20088.709.51

Source: Ward's Automotive Group, Ward's World Motor Vehicle Data 2009, Southfield, MI, 2009.

Return to 2009 Facts of the Week