Global Vehicles in Operation to Top 1 Billion By 2011, According to R. L. Polk & Co.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 24, 2008 -- The number of vehicles on the road globally will top 1 billion by 2011, according to figures released last night at the Automotive News World Congress dinner by R. L. Polk & Co., a provider of marketing intelligence and insight to automakers around the world.

The heavy growth will be fueled primarily by the rapidly expanding Asian market, which will see 5.7 percent compound annual growth in vehicles in operation (VIO) in the next three years.

"Growth in the Asian market will be volatile in the next three years, but is still likely to lead growth worldwide," said Stephen Polk, Chairman, President and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "Obviously, Asia has been a burgeoning market for some time and global manufacturers are in a heated race to take advantage of opportunities in the region."

Asia will account for more than 23 percent (231 million vehicles) of global VIO by 2011. Europe and the Americas will account for 34 percent and 36 percent of global VIO by 2011, respectively

Traditional markets -- the Americas and Western Europe -- will continue to see approximately 1.3 percent and 2.0 percent compound annual growth respectively, in the next three years.

"Despite the rapid growth in Asia, it is still imperative for automakers to focus on North America and Europe," Polk said. "Even with sluggish signs in the economy, these are still growing markets, with a passion for the automobile. Winning here is essential for any automaker's global success."

Polk also noted that Eastern Europe will continue to expand at a rapid pace, with 4.3 percent compound annual growth in VIO by 2011.

About R. L. Polk & Co.

R. L. Polk & Co. is the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions. Polk collects and interprets global data, and provides extensive automotive business expertise to help customers understand their market position, identify trends, build brand loyalty, conquest new business and gain a competitive advantage. Polk helps automotive manufacturers and dealers, automotive aftermarket companies, finance and insurance companies, advertising agencies, media companies, consulting organizations, government agencies and market research firms make good business decisions. A privately held global firm, Polk is based in Southfield, Mich. with operations in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.