Automotive industry - Revision history

Red marquis: /* Company relationships */

2010-02-15T15:11:41Z

Company relationships

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	*[[Fiat]] holds a 85% stake in [[Ferrari]] and a 20% stake in [[Chrysler]], that can be increased to 35%; with the option of increasing its stake further.		*[[Fiat]] holds a 85% stake in [[Ferrari]] and a 20% stake in [[Chrysler]], that can be increased to 35%; with the option of increasing its stake further.
	*[[Ford Motor Company]] holds a 13.4% stake in [[Mazda]] and an 8.3% share in [[Aston Martin]].		*[[Ford Motor Company]] holds a 13.4% stake in [[Mazda]] and an 8.3% share in [[Aston Martin]].
	*[[Geely Automobile]] holds a 23% stake in [[Manganese Bronze Holdings]].		*[[Geely Automobile]] holds a 23% stake in Manganese Bronze Holdings.
	*[[General Motors]] and [[Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation]] (SAIC) have two joint ventures in [[Shanghai GM\|Shanghai General Motors]] and [[SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile]].		*[[General Motors]] and [[Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation]] (SAIC) have two joint ventures in [[Shanghai GM\|Shanghai General Motors]] and [[SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile]].
	*[[General Motors]] and [[Toyota Motor Corporation]] have a joint venture in [[NUMMI\|New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc]].		*[[General Motors]] and [[Toyota Motor Corporation]] have a joint venture in [[NUMMI\|New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc]].

Red marquis: /* Germany */

2010-02-15T15:06:23Z

Germany

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	In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from Adolf Hitler, who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].		In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from Adolf Hitler, who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].

	Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of ~~{{convert\|~~250\|km/h~~\|0\|lk=on}}~~ for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than ~~{{convert\|~~300\|km/h~~\|0}}~~.		Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of 250 km/h (155 mph) for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than 300 km/h (193 mph).

	===India===		===India===

Red marquis: /* Canada */

2010-02-15T15:05:31Z

Canada

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	Through marquees such as Brooks Steam, Redpath, Tudhope, McKay, Galt Gas-Electric, Gray-Dort, Brockville Atlas, C.C.M., and [[McLaughlin automobile\|McLaughlin]], Canada had many domestic auto brands. In 1918 McLaughlin was bought by an American firm, [[General Motors]], and was re-branded as [[General Motors of Canada]].		Through marquees such as Brooks Steam, Redpath, Tudhope, McKay, Galt Gas-Electric, Gray-Dort, Brockville Atlas, C.C.M., and [[McLaughlin automobile\|McLaughlin]], Canada had many domestic auto brands. In 1918 McLaughlin was bought by an American firm, [[General Motors]], and was re-branded as [[General Motors of Canada]].
	Driven by the demands of [[World War I]], Canada's automotive industry had grown, by 1923, into the second-largest in the world, although it was still made up of relatively inefficient plants producing many models behind a high tariff wall. High consumer prices and production inefficiencies characterized the Canadian auto industry prior to the signing of the [[1965 Automotive Products Trade Agreement with the United States]].		Driven by the demands of World War I, Canada's automotive industry had grown, by 1923, into the second-largest in the world, although it was still made up of relatively inefficient plants producing many models behind a high tariff wall. High consumer prices and production inefficiencies characterized the Canadian auto industry prior to the signing of the [[1965 Automotive Products Trade Agreement with the United States]].

	The 1964 Automotive Products Trade Agreement or “Auto Pact” represents the single most important factor in making the Canadian automotive industry what it is today: a strong, successful industry that has a significant positive impact on the Canadian economy. Key features of the Auto Pact were the 1:1 production to sales ratio and Canadian Value Added requirements.		The 1964 Automotive Products Trade Agreement or “Auto Pact” represents the single most important factor in making the Canadian automotive industry what it is today: a strong, successful industry that has a significant positive impact on the Canadian economy. Key features of the Auto Pact were the 1:1 production to sales ratio and Canadian Value Added requirements.

	[[Magna International]] is Canada's biggest domestic firm in the sector, and is the world's third-largest auto parts firm, producing entire vehicles at its [[Magna Steyr]] plant in [[Austria]].		[[Magna International]] is Canada's biggest domestic firm in the sector, and is the world's third-largest auto parts firm, producing entire vehicles at its [[Magna Steyr]] plant in Austria.

	===China===		===China===

Red marquis: /* Germany */

2010-02-15T15:04:57Z

Germany

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	===Germany===		===Germany===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in Germany}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in Germany}}
	~~[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F038788-0020, Wolfsburg, VW Autowerk, Käfer.jpg\|thumb\|[[Volkswagen]] [[assembly line]], Wolfsburg, in 1973]]~~
	The [[petrol engine]]d automobile was invented in Germany by [[Karl Benz]]. Furthermore, the [[four-stroke engine\|four-stroke]] [[internal combustion engine]] used in most automobiles worldwide today was invented by [[Nikolaus Otto]] in Germany. In addition, the [[diesel engine]] was also invented by German [[Rudolf Diesel]].		The [[petrol engine]]d automobile was invented in Germany by [[Karl Benz]]. Furthermore, the [[four-stroke engine\|four-stroke]] [[internal combustion engine]] used in most automobiles worldwide today was invented by [[Nikolaus Otto]] in Germany. In addition, the [[diesel engine]] was also invented by German [[Rudolf Diesel]].

	Germany is famous for the high-performance and high-quality sports cars made by [[Porsche]], and the cars of Mercedes, Audi and BMW are famous for their quality and technological innovation. [[Daimler-Benz]]'s predecessor Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft was the industry's oldest firm, Daimler-Benz company dates from 1926. In 1998, it bought the American automobile manufacturer [[Chrysler]], then sold out in 2007 at a heavy loss, as it never managed to bring the division to long term profitability.		Germany is famous for the high-performance and high-quality sports cars made by [[Porsche]], and the cars of Mercedes, Audi and BMW are famous for their quality and technological innovation. [[Daimler-Benz]]'s predecessor Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft was the industry's oldest firm, Daimler-Benz company dates from 1926. In 1998, it bought the American automobile manufacturer [[Chrysler]], then sold out in 2007 at a heavy loss, as it never managed to bring the division to long term profitability.

	In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from [[Adolf Hitler]], who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].		In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from Adolf Hitler, who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].

	Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of {{convert\|250\|km/h\|0\|lk=on}} for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than {{convert\|300\|km/h\|0}}.		Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of {{convert\|250\|km/h\|0\|lk=on}} for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than {{convert\|300\|km/h\|0}}.

Red marquis: /* India */

2010-02-15T15:04:31Z

India

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	===India===		===India===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in India}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in India}}
	An embryonic automotive industry started in India in the 1940s. However, for the next 50 years, the growth of the industry was hobbled by the [[Socialist]] policies and the bureaucratic hurdles of the [[license raj]]. Following [[economic liberalisation in India]] from 1991, and the gradual easing of restrictions on industry, India has seen a dynamic 17% annual growth in automobile production and 30% annual growth in exports of automotive components and automobiles. India produces around 2 million automobiles currently. The Largest automotive companies in India are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, [[Tata Motors]] and [[Mahindra & Mahindra]].		An embryonic automotive industry started in India in the 1940s. However, for the next 50 years, the growth of the industry was hobbled by the Socialist policies and the bureaucratic hurdles of the license raj. Following economic liberalisation in India from 1991, and the gradual easing of restrictions on industry, India has seen a dynamic 17% annual growth in automobile production and 30% annual growth in exports of automotive components and automobiles. India produces around 2 million automobiles currently. The Largest automotive companies in India are Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, [[Tata Motors]] and [[Mahindra & Mahindra]].
	Total turnover of the Indian automobile industry is expected to grow from USD 34 Billion in 2006 to USD 122 Billion in 2016.<ref name="dhi.nic.in">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dhi.nic.in/draft_automotive_mission_plan.pdf\|title=Draft Automotive Mission Plan\|accessdate=2009-11-26\|year=2006\|author=Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Government of India\|work=dhi.nic.in}}</ref>		Total turnover of the Indian automobile industry is expected to grow from USD 34 Billion in 2006 to USD 122 Billion in 2016.<ref name="dhi.nic.in">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dhi.nic.in/draft_automotive_mission_plan.pdf\|title=Draft Automotive Mission Plan\|accessdate=2009-11-26\|year=2006\|author=Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Government of India\|work=dhi.nic.in}}</ref>
	[[Tata Motors]] has just launched [[Tata Nano]], the cheapest car in the world at USD 2200.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/automobiles/autoreviews/28NANO.html?scp=2&sq=tata%20nano&st=cse\|title=Behind the Wheel \| Tata Nano\|accessdate=2009-11-26\|year=2009\|author=NICK KURCZEWSKI\|work=nytimes.com}}</ref> Foreign auto companies with assembly plants in India include, [[General Motors]], [[Ford]], [[Hyundai]], [[Honda]], [[Suzuki]], [[Nissan]], [[Toyota]], [[Volkswagen]], [[Audi]], [[Škoda]], [[BMW]], [[Fiat]] and [[Mercedes Benz]]. Recently India has overtaken China in global auto exports of compact car this year . Suzuki Motor Corp, Hyundai Motor Co, and Nissan Motor Co are making India their manufacturing hub for small cars.		[[Tata Motors]] has just launched [[Tata Nano]], the cheapest car in the world at USD 2200.<ref name="nytimes.com">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/28/automobiles/autoreviews/28NANO.html?scp=2&sq=tata%20nano&st=cse\|title=Behind the Wheel \| Tata Nano\|accessdate=2009-11-26\|year=2009\|author=NICK KURCZEWSKI\|work=nytimes.com}}</ref> Foreign auto companies with assembly plants in India include, [[General Motors]], [[Ford]], [[Hyundai]], [[Honda]], [[Suzuki]], [[Nissan]], [[Toyota]], [[Volkswagen]], [[Audi]], [[Škoda]], [[BMW]], [[Fiat]] and [[Mercedes Benz]]. Recently India has overtaken China in global auto exports of compact car this year . Suzuki Motor Corp, Hyundai Motor Co, and Nissan Motor Co are making India their manufacturing hub for small cars.

Red marquis: /* Spain */

2010-02-15T15:03:31Z

Spain

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	===Spain===		===Spain===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in Spain}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in Spain}}
	In 2009 the automotive industry generated 3.5 percent of the country`s [[GDP]] and gave employment to about nine percent of the working population. Spain is on the eight place in car manufacturing countries, but 2008 and 2009 showed a decrease in car production. The downward spiral started about ten year ago, with an abandoning policy of many consecutive governments. The result has been the loss of all Spanish car brands manufacturers, which are now in hands of foreign companies.		In 2009 the automotive industry generated 3.5 percent of the country`s GDP and gave employment to about nine percent of the working population. Spain is on the eight place in car manufacturing countries, but 2008 and 2009 showed a decrease in car production. The downward spiral started about ten year ago, with an abandoning policy of many consecutive governments. The result has been the loss of all Spanish car brands manufacturers, which are now in hands of foreign companies.

	===Thailand===		===Thailand===

Red marquis: /* Italy */

2010-02-15T15:03:04Z

Italy

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	===Italy===		===Italy===
	{{Main\|Automobile industry in Italy\|l1=Automotive industry in Italy}}		{{Main\|Automobile industry in Italy\|l1=Automotive industry in Italy}}
	The automotive industry in Italy began with the construction of the first [[FIAT]] plant (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli. In the following years at least 50 other manufacturers appeared, the best known being [[Isotta Fraschini]] in 1900, [[Lancia]] in 1906, [[Alfa Romeo]] in 1910, [[Maserati]] in 1914, [[Ferrari]] in 1939, and [[Lamborghini]] in 1963. During the first and the second World Wars and the economic crisis of the 70's, many of these brands disappeared or were bought by Fiat or foreign manufacturers. Today the Italian automotive industry boasts a wide range of products, from very compact city cars to sport supercars such as Ferrari and Maserati. As of June 2009 Fiat also holds roughly 20% stake in the American brand [[Chrysler]].		The automotive industry in Italy began with the construction of the first [[FIAT]] plant (Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino) in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli. In the following years at least 50 other manufacturers appeared, the best known being [[Isotta-Fraschini]] in 1900, [[Lancia]] in 1906, [[Alfa Romeo]] in 1910, [[Maserati]] in 1914, [[Ferrari]] in 1939, and [[Lamborghini]] in 1963. During the first and the second World Wars and the economic crisis of the 70's, many of these brands disappeared or were bought by Fiat or foreign manufacturers. Today the Italian automotive industry boasts a wide range of products, from very compact city cars to sport supercars such as Ferrari and Maserati. As of June 2009 Fiat also holds roughly 20% stake in the American brand [[Chrysler]].

	===Japan===		===Japan===

Red marquis: /* South Korea */

2010-02-15T15:02:50Z

South Korea

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	===South Korea===		===South Korea===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in South Korea}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in South Korea}}
	~~[[File:Hyundai car assembly line.jpg\|thumb\|[[Assembly line]] at [[Hyundai Motor Company]] car factory in [[Ulsan]], [[South Korea]].]]~~
	The South Korean automobile industry is today the fifth largest in the world in terms of production volume and the sixth largest in terms of export volume. 50 years ago, its initial operations were merely the assembling of parts imported from [[Japan]] and the [[United States]]. The [[Hyundai Kia Automotive Group]] is today the second largest automaker in Asia, after [[Toyota]]. Annual domestic output exceeded one million units in 1988. In the 1990s, the industry manufactured numerous in-house models, demonstrating not only its capabilities, and signaling its coming of age thanks to the heavy investment to infrastructure in the country over the decades. The quality of their automobiles has improved dramatically in recent years, gaining international recognition.		The South Korean automobile industry is today the fifth largest in the world in terms of production volume and the sixth largest in terms of export volume. 50 years ago, its initial operations were merely the assembling of parts imported from Japan and the United States. The [[Hyundai Kia Automotive Group]] is today the second largest automaker in Asia, after [[Toyota]]. Annual domestic output exceeded one million units in 1988. In the 1990s, the industry manufactured numerous in-house models, demonstrating not only its capabilities, and signaling its coming of age thanks to the heavy investment to infrastructure in the country over the decades. The quality of their automobiles has improved dramatically in recent years, gaining international recognition.

	===Spain===		===Spain===

Red marquis: /* Thailand */

2010-02-15T15:02:28Z

Thailand

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	===Thailand===		===Thailand===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in Thailand}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in Thailand}}
	The Thai-based automobile manufacturer is ThaiRung or well-known as TR, manufactured by [http://www.thairung.co.th/homeenglish.html Thai Rung Union Car Public Co. Ltd. (TRU)]. The company was established in 1967 in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]]. Original name was Thai Rung Engineering Co. Ltd., and changed its name to Thai Rung Union Car Co. Ltd. in 1973. TRU was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1994. TRU business is ranging from product design and development, automotive parts manufacturing, industrial equiptemnts manufacturing, car assembly lines and financial business.		The Thai-based automobile manufacturer is ThaiRung or well-known as TR, manufactured by [http://www.thairung.co.th/homeenglish.html Thai Rung Union Car Public Co. Ltd. (TRU)]. The company was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand. Original name was Thai Rung Engineering Co. Ltd., and changed its name to Thai Rung Union Car Co. Ltd. in 1973. TRU was listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 1994. TRU business is ranging from product design and development, automotive parts manufacturing, industrial equiptemnts manufacturing, car assembly lines and financial business.
	Some discontinued TR vans powered by [[Land Rover]] engine in combination with Thai-developed body design and platform. Modern TR cars are built on small or medium trucks base into SUV or seven-seat multi-purpose vehicles using TR-owned technology, design, development and assembly skills. The current models are 2009 TR Adventure and TR Allroader.		Some discontinued TR vans powered by [[Land Rover]] engine in combination with Thai-developed body design and platform. Modern TR cars are built on small or medium trucks base into SUV or seven-seat multi-purpose vehicles using TR-owned technology, design, development and assembly skills. The current models are 2009 TR Adventure and TR Allroader.

Red marquis: /* Spain */

2010-02-15T15:02:12Z

Spain

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:02, 15 February 2010
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	===Spain===		===Spain===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in Spain}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in Spain}}
	In 2009 the automotive industry generated 3.5 percent of the country`s [[GDP]] and gave employment to about nine percent of the working population. [[Spain]] is on the eight place in car manufacturing countries, but 2008 and 2009 showed a decrease in car production. The downward spiral started about ten year ago, with an abandoning policy of many consecutive governments. The result has been the loss of all Spanish car brands manufacturers, which are now in hands of foreign companies.		In 2009 the automotive industry generated 3.5 percent of the country`s [[GDP]] and gave employment to about nine percent of the working population. Spain is on the eight place in car manufacturing countries, but 2008 and 2009 showed a decrease in car production. The downward spiral started about ten year ago, with an abandoning policy of many consecutive governments. The result has been the loss of all Spanish car brands manufacturers, which are now in hands of foreign companies.

	===Thailand===		===Thailand===

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:04, 15 February 2010
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	===Germany===		===Germany===
	{{Main\|Automotive industry in Germany}}		{{Main\|Automotive industry in Germany}}
	~~[[File:Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F038788-0020, Wolfsburg, VW Autowerk, Käfer.jpg\|thumb\|[[Volkswagen]] [[assembly line]], Wolfsburg, in 1973]]~~
	The [[petrol engine]]d automobile was invented in Germany by [[Karl Benz]]. Furthermore, the [[four-stroke engine\|four-stroke]] [[internal combustion engine]] used in most automobiles worldwide today was invented by [[Nikolaus Otto]] in Germany. In addition, the [[diesel engine]] was also invented by German [[Rudolf Diesel]].		The [[petrol engine]]d automobile was invented in Germany by [[Karl Benz]]. Furthermore, the [[four-stroke engine\|four-stroke]] [[internal combustion engine]] used in most automobiles worldwide today was invented by [[Nikolaus Otto]] in Germany. In addition, the [[diesel engine]] was also invented by German [[Rudolf Diesel]].

	Germany is famous for the high-performance and high-quality sports cars made by [[Porsche]], and the cars of Mercedes, Audi and BMW are famous for their quality and technological innovation. [[Daimler-Benz]]'s predecessor Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft was the industry's oldest firm, Daimler-Benz company dates from 1926. In 1998, it bought the American automobile manufacturer [[Chrysler]], then sold out in 2007 at a heavy loss, as it never managed to bring the division to long term profitability.		Germany is famous for the high-performance and high-quality sports cars made by [[Porsche]], and the cars of Mercedes, Audi and BMW are famous for their quality and technological innovation. [[Daimler-Benz]]'s predecessor Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft was the industry's oldest firm, Daimler-Benz company dates from 1926. In 1998, it bought the American automobile manufacturer [[Chrysler]], then sold out in 2007 at a heavy loss, as it never managed to bring the division to long term profitability.

	In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from [[Adolf Hitler]], who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].		In the popular market, [[Opel]] and [[Volkswagen]] are most well known. Opel was a bicycle company that started making cars in 1898; General Motors bought it out in 1929, but the Nazi government took control, and GM wrote off its entire investment. In 1948, GM returned and restored the Opel brand. Volkswagen is dominant in the popular market; it purchased [[Audi]] in 1964, which eventually lead to the formation of today's [[Volkswagen Group]]. Volkswagen's most famous car was the small, beetle-shaped economical "people's car", with a rear-mounted, air-cooled engine. It was designed in the 1930s by [[Ferdinand Porsche]] upon orders from Adolf Hitler, who was himself a car enthusiast. However, production models only appeared after the war; until then, only rich Germans had automobiles. By 1950, Volkswagen was the largest German automobile producer.<ref>Terry Shuler, ''Volkswagen: Then, Now and Forever''(1997)</ref> Today, the Group is one of the three biggest automotive companies in the world, and the largest in Europe; and is now part-owned by [[Porsche\|Porsche Automobil Holding SE]].<ref name=VWAG-shareholders>{{cite web\|title=Volkswagen Group - Shareholder Structure\|url=http://www.volkswagenag.com/vwag/vwcorp/content/en/investor_relations/share/Shareholder_Structure.html\|work=Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft\|publisher=VolkswagenAG.com\|date= \|accessdate=22 December 2009}}</ref> In the meantime, ten different car manufacturers belong to the multicorporate enterprise: Porsche AG, Volkswagen, Audi AG, [[Bugatti Automobiles\|Bugatti Automobiles SAS]], [[Lamborghini\|Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.]], [[Bentley\|Bentley Motors Limited]], [[Škoda Auto]], [[SEAT\|SEAT, S.A.]], along with [[truck]] makers [[MAN SE\|MAN AG]] and [[Scania (company)\|Scania AB]].

	Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of {{convert\|250\|km/h\|0\|lk=on}} for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than {{convert\|300\|km/h\|0}}.		Germany is famous for its upscale [[sedan (automobile)\|saloons]]. They feature advanced suspension systems that provide both a soft ride, and good handling characteristics. Many manufacturers limit their automobiles electronically to driving speeds of {{convert\|250\|km/h\|0\|lk=on}} for safety reasons. For factory-tuned models like [[Mercedes-AMG]] from Mercedes Benz, [[Audi S and RS models#RS\|Audi RS]] from [[quattro GmbH]], and [[BMW M]] from BMW M GmbH, for an additional payment, it is possible to derestrict their top speed, so that the fastest models easily reach more than {{convert\|300\|km/h\|0}}.