WardsAuto Finds NA Production To Get Boost From Import Replacements in 2014

WardsAuto’s new North American Light Vehicle Production Forecast finds overseas-based manufacturers will continue to shift more sourcing to North American factories in the new year.

According to WardsAuto, auto makers, particularly overseas-based manufacturers, have been increasing North American sourcing for several years. But 2014 will see a big leap, especially because many of the models being added currently are supplied solely from abroad.

In 2014, WardsAuto expects Toyota to add production of a Lexus model at its Georgetown, KY, plant and a Toyota car at Blue Springs, MS. Volkswagen is seen adding a currently imported vehicle to the mix at its Puebla, Mexico, plant.

Also in the forecast for the first time is a new cross/utility vehicle to launch at Mazda’s greenfield site in Salamanca, Mexico, in 2014. However, because the CUV is an all-new product, it mostly is displacing production, not creating a big net gain.

Already in the outlook beginning in 2014 is first-time North American production of five other models imported by Daimler, Honda, Nissan and Mazda.

WardsAuto forecasts 331,000 units in 2014 will come from these first-timers.

To read the full report, go to WardsAuto.com or http://wardsauto.com/plants-amp-production/north-american-production-get-boost-import-replacements-2014