Vehicle industry forecasts show that 82.4 million cars and light vehicles are expected to be produced in 2013, up from 80.6 million in 2012, pushing an expected 5% rise in production in the US.
Europe, meanwhile, is anticipating a 3.2% fall in output on the bag of extremely weak selling conditions.
These figures, highlighted in a report by the Financial Times, reflect the reality of a string of plant closures in Europe in 2012 as major manufacturers like Ford, PSA Peugeot Citroën and General Motors all looked to shift their facilities elsewhere.
The automotive industry has struggled to rebound from the economic strife of 2008/09, however the picture in Europe has become increasingly divergent from the steady recovery of the US and the strides made by Chinese manufacturers.
The Asian market is expected to see a significant burst of activity as the manufacturing and sales capacity of the Asian nations becomes an increasingly important focus for global auto manufacturers. Volkswagen has said it will triple its output in 2013, while that of Ford is said to be doubling.
