The US auto industry has undergone unprecedented restructuring over the past several years, and US auto manufacturers have emerged more efficient and more competitive. Confirming what many in the industry already know, this year’s survey results indicate that the US auto industry is moving in the right direction.
In the 2011 Automotive Business Pulse Survey, automotive sector executives reported growth in revenue and hiring over the past year and expect these upward trends to continue over the next year. This positive outlook is noteworthy, as executives do not expect a full US economic recovery for several more years.
Other key findings include:
- Survey respondents see North America as the largest region for potential growth—ahead of China
- Executives are also planning growth through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and alliances
- Auto executives noted challenges from uncertainty and volatility in financial markets, continuing pricing pressures, volatile input prices, and a complex and ever-changing regulatory environment
- Auto executives also have concerns about supply chain management, and they face challenges stemming from capacity and supply disruption.