| Taiwan's automakers sold 514,626 new cars in 2005, representing a growth of 6.3% from 2004's 484,286 units. Luxurious car models sold in Taiwan accounted for 5.9% of total domestic sales of new cars last year, reaching 30,242 units, up 7% from 28,226 units.
There were several major events in the automobiles and parts sector in 2005. First, auto-electronics has become a new key industry designated by the government for priority development; second, leading U.S. auto parts suppliers went bankcrupt; and third, China emerged as the world's second-largest auto market.
According to a survey conducted by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, 27.8% of local makers of autos and auto parts were optimistic about their sales prospects for 2006, 44.4% expected their sales performance to remain the same as last year, and 27.8% predicted their sales to drop. |
