Automotive assembler investments decrease in 2005 (July 29, 2005)

During the first six months of 2005, investments by major automotive assemblers worldwide decreased 42.75%, compared with the first half of 2004, according to a recent report.
In the first half of 2005, major automotive assemblers invested $8.45 billion compared with $14.71 billion during the first six months of 2004, according to research from the Office of Automotive Research and Training, part of the Odette School of Business Administration at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ont.
Canada earned $800 million of the total worldwide investment in the first half in 2005, thanks to Toyota’s decision to open a new assembly plant in Woodstock, Ont.
The U.S. received just over $800 million in investment.
Leading the pack is China, receiving $1.8 billion, followed by Thailand at $1.1 billion and Iran at $1.06 billion.
In terms of who is making the investments, South Korean assemblers invested $2.25 billion, Toyota invested $1.5 billion, while Nissan invested $1.16 billion and Daimler Chrysler invested $945 million. General Motors accounted for $438 million, Honda for $75 million and Ford for $37 million. Another $2 billion in investments were attributed to companies other than those listed above.