U.S. GDP, now $8.5 trillion, is forecast to hit $9.2 trillion in 2000, per capita GDP $31,326. The U.S. is the biggest exporter and importer of goods, has the largest economy, and boasts the highest standard of living in the world.

The federal government consumes about 16% of GDP. The inflation rate is 1.6%. U.S. intellectual property protection is considered the best in the world.

The passenger car fleet for 1998 was approximately 151 million units and is forecast to reach 153 million by 2000. Sales of passenger cars in 1998 were 8 million (8.3 million by 2000). Sales of light trucks in 1998 reached 6.7 million and could reach 7.2 million by 2000.

General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan account for around 86% of passenger car sales. As for light commercial vehicles, the top six hold 90% market share. The Internet sales for passenger cars is intensifying and making the process of buying and selling cars more transparent.

Passenger Car Sales, by manufacturer

Manufacturer 1998 2000 General Motors 2,500,000 2,600,000 Ford 1,500,000 1,600,000 DaimlerChrysler 853,000 872,000 Honda 800,000 870,000 Toyota 790,000 845,000 Nissan 460,000 490,000 Mitsubishi 180,000 201,000 Volkswagen 178,000 190,000 Mazda 160,000 165,000 Hyundai 100,000 104,000 Subaru 99,000 100,000 BMW 91,000 91,000 Volvo 63,000 62,000 Suzuki 8000 9000 Others 79,000 53,000 Total 7,861,000 8,252,000

Passenger car production decreased in 1997 by 2% due to growing demand for trucks and to the transferring of production lines to Canada and Mexico. After 2000 the demand for passenger cars is forecast to rebound. In 1997, light trucks captured 46% of the total vehicle sales and might overtake passenger cars as the preferred mode of travel.

Passenger Car and Light Truck Production,
by Manufacturer (units)

Manufacturer 1998 2000 General Motors Cars 2,050,000 2,070,000 Light trucks 700,000 1,980,000 Ford Cars 1,250,600 1,280,400 Light trucks 2,065,000 1,251,000 Honda Cars 655,000 700,000 Light trucks 0 0 Toyota Cars 395,000 404,000 Light Trucks 82,000 140,000 DaimlerChrysler Cars 436,000 501,000 Light trucks 1,380,000 1,387,000 Nissan Cars 221,000 180,000 Light trucks 105,000 135,000 Mitsubishi Cars 180,000 200,000 Light trucks 0 16,000 Subaru/Isuzu Cars 98,000 95,000 Light trucks 124,000 123,000 NUMMI-GM/Toyota Cars 234,000 228,000 Light Trucks 142,000 127,000 AutoAlliance-Ford/Mazda Cars 123,000 159,000 Total 11,240,600 10,976,4000

Most trucks are in class 1-3 weight classifications and are substitutes for passenger cars.

Country profiles were provided by Raymond Champagne