Global production continues to rise in 2012. - According to the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), global production of motor vehicle is expected to show a continued rise in 2012 of +3%, following an identical percentage rise last year. This increase has particularly been pushed by demand in Asia. World vehicle production reached 80.1 million in 2011, a record level according to OICA, which also points out that there are now 1 billion cards on the roads throughout the world. According to the president of the organisation, Patrick Blain, following a dramatic fall in 2009 to 61.8 million units due to the 2008 crisis, world auto production has recovered its growth rate. Europe too has regained the road to growth with 17.7million vehicles manufactured in 2011, a 3.5% increase, but still under the figures prior to 2008. Moreover, specialists expect a 5% fall in production across Europe, with the German market remaining stable, a fall of 6% in Italy and a 10% fall in France, due to phasing out of the a scrapping allowance. In February 2012, new car registration numbers had already fallen in the majority of European countries, with an 18.9% fall in Italy and 20.2% in France. After rapid growth in 2009 and 2010 in China, the country has maintained production at 18.4 million units. It is expected to continue growth of 8% in 2012, whereas in India, production is expected to jump by 14%. Market share of international production in Asia has risen from 16.5% in 1981 to 41% in 2011 and the continent is expected to increase its relative share in this connection. In the US, production reached 13.5 million vehicles (+10.6%) last year. Production could also possibly continue to grow by 10% in this part of the world. (IL/transl.fl)