In 2010, global automobile production rose to a level that market researchers would not have expected until 2014 at the earliest - but how long will this success last? The trade journal "Automobil Industrie" exclusively asked renowned suppliers about their forecasts for 2011.



The number one source of hope for production growth is a recovering North American market and China. Franz Fehrenbach, head of industry leader Bosch, expects "stable, albeit slower growth".



Despite all the optimism, the wave of consolidation predicted by some augurs for 2009 has yet to materialize. According to Boysen Managing Director Rolf Geisel, the changes of the recent past make it impossible to speak of a "genuine wave of consolidation". Dr. Bernd Welzel, CEO of the Fehrer Group, is clearer: "In the context of the financial and economic crisis, the overdue market shakeout has not taken place in Europe - in contrast to the USA. There is still overcapacity, which is further intensifying the price war within the competition." Further consolidation is therefore quite possible.



More forecasts for 2011 in the February issue of "Automobil Industrie". You can order a free sample copy at: pressestelle@vogel.de.



"Automobil Industrie" is aimed at management in the automotive business. The monthly trade magazine has a circulation of around 10,000 copies and has been a must-read in the industry for over 50 years. Daily news from the entire automotive sector is available at www.automobil-industrie.de and in the regular online newsletter. The parent company Vogel Business Media is one of the leading German providers of specialist information with around 100 trade journals and 60 websites as well as numerous international activities. Its headquarters are in Würzburg. The company celebrates its 120th anniversary in 2011.