Since 2005, auto sales in industrialized countries have fallen 17.4 percent, to 36.2 million cars and light trucks last year.
The market in industrialized countries was still worth more than emerging markets, however, because sticker prices tend to be considerably higher. But with so much growth in developing countries, “you have to be incredibly aware of the domestic brands” emerging in China, said Michael Manley, the head of Chrysler’s international operations.