US Auto Industry Expected to Build 16 Million Cars in 2013

New forecasts from LMC Automotive and IHS Automotive predict that the US auto industry will have its highest production since 2002 in 2013. Total production is expected to his 16 million vehicles. It is a 500,000-vehicle improvement from last year. 

Automakers are expected to build more than 16 million light vehicles in North America this year, the region's highest output since production hit 16.5 million vehicles in 2002.

"We're getting close to the point where all factories are hitting full speed. We could hit a wall if this keeps up," said Jeff Schuster, LMC's executive director of automotive forecasting.

General MotorsGMUnited States of America, 1998 > present8 models
240 photos
is predicted to build 794,000 cars in the US this year, up 4% from the previous year. FordFordUnited States of America, 1903 > present92 models
2522 photos
11 videos
is predicted to build 717,000 cars, up 8%. ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
873 photos
1 video
Group, which includes JeepJeepUnited States of America, 1941 > present33 models
965 photos
4 videos
, will increase production by 6% to 581,000 cars. ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
4570 photos
10 videos
will boost production 13% to 466,000 cars. HondaHondaJapan, 1948 > present102 models
2419 photos
10 videos
will increase production by 17% to 444,000 cars. NissanNissanJapan, 1932 > present159 models
6957 photos
12 videos
production will increase by 20% to 377,000 cars. HyundaiHyundaiRepublic of Korea, 1967 > present79 models
1921 photos
3 videos
and KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
1724 photos
4 videos
will increase production by 8% to 202,000 cars.

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
Group is the lone major automaker expected to decrease production in the US. Production is expected to fall by 23% to 170,000 cars due to low demand for the PassatVolkswagen Passat Gen.7 [B7]Germany, 2011 > 2014115 versions
306 photos
2 videos
and JettaVolkswagen Jetta Gen.6Germany, 2011 > present69 versions
190 photos
. 

Source: Automotive News