THE ECONOMISTS - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1905

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features a panel of leading automotive economists discussing the global economic outlook for 2015 and its impact on the auto industry. The consensus points to a strong North American market, with sales expected to reach or exceed 17 million units, driven by robust fundamentals in the US, Canada, and Mexico. A significant factor discussed is the collapse in oil prices, which is seen as a major boost to consumer confidence and spending, though economists caution that consumers may still consider long-term fuel costs in vehicle purchase decisions, impacting the sales of fuel-efficient vehicles and EVs. The discussion also covers China's moderating but still significant growth, Europe's modest recovery (with a distinction between Western and Eastern Europe), and the challenges facing Russia due to geopolitical issues and low oil prices. South America presents a mixed picture, with some countries making sound policy choices while others struggle with protectionism and commodity dependence. India and Indonesia are highlighted for their potential, particularly with new leadership and the elimination of fuel subsidies, though policy implementation remains a challenge. The economists generally agree that while the global economy shows promise, geopolitical events and policy decisions will continue to heavily influence market dynamics.