Global Car Production, Sales and Exports November 2021

Read our monthly update on global car production, new car sales in key markets, export levels and imports into Australia.



Please contact us at info@datiuminsights.com.au for any questions.


Global Car Production

  • While there were hopes of a strong recovery this year, issues related to chip shortages have dampened these prospects
  • Most nations have changed towards a negative direction
  • A recovery in global production has stalled with a longer than anticipated road to pre-pandemic levels
  • This has filtered into exports from large manufacturing bases, increasing the level of volatility in imports coming into Australia
  • The next 12 months is likely to be a challenging environment in Australia for sourcing stock


  • Japan is down 15% through September 2021
  • South Korea is down 12% through October 2021
  • The US is down 34% through October 2021
  • Germany is down 26% through September 2021
  • The UK is down 32% through October 2021
  • China is up 3% through October 2021


International Car Exports

The latest government figures show the following 12 month rolling changes in car export volume from the large car manufacturing nations:

  • South Korea is down 15% through October 2021
  • Japan is down 20% through October 2021
  • The United Kingdom is down 21% through October 2021
  • Germany is down 25% through September 2021
  • The United States is down 20% through September 2021

Indications from November figures suggest car production and export levels around the world are facing obstacles due to chip shortages.

Despite these challenges demand is proving strong worldwide with increasing demand in used cars as well.



Car Imports into Australia

  • Car Imports fell again in October 2021 from the prior month, recording a figure of $2.806 billion according to latest ABS figures
  • This represents a decrease of $596 million (-17%) compared to October 2020
  • The rolling 12 month change shows imports are up 14% compared to 2019
  • Stock supply entering Australia had been picking up pace recently but is facing increasing volatility due to production issues overseas




New Car Sales

  • In North America, the US is down 9.6% while Mexico is down 30.3% through November 2021. Canada is down 10.6% through August 2021
  • In Europe, Germany is now down 21.4% through October 2021
  • The UK is down 24.6% through October 2021
  • Spain is down 28.5% through October 2021
  • France and Italy are down 20.8% and 18.3% respectively through October 2021
  • In the Asia Pacific region, Australia and New Zealand are both up 0.4% and 4.5% respectively through November 2021
  • Japan is down 13.5% in November 2021 while South Korea is down 4.9% through October 2021





Tanim LinkedIn
Tanim Ahmed

By Tanim Ahmed, Head of Product at Datium Insights

Tanim is a Macquarie University alumni with degrees in Finance and Economics. He has spent a decade in the Leasing and Finance industry, specializing in Residual Value risk.

Please contact Datium Insights for further analytical support and advisory services.

Disclaimer: This is a general information service only and we do not provide advice or take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation or needs. Please seek professional advice with regards to how any of the material on this website can impact your own financial situation. Datium Insights is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of this website.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Datium Insights

Subscribe to Datium Insights

Receive notifications when we release market updates and feature articles on the automotive industry