China world's largest auto production site in 2013

A model presents a new SUV Tiggo 5 in the Guangzhou Auto Show, Nov 23, 2013 [Photo/Xinhua]

BERLIN - China became the world's largest auto production site in 2013 with the most dynamic growth, a Frankfurt-based institute said Tuesday.

Of the 82.5 million light vehicles produced globally last year, 18.7 million, 22.7 percent, were driven out of factories in China. Auto production in China saw an increase of 12 percent in 2013, the most dynamic growth around the world, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Germany said in a report.

According to the consulting firm, the second-largest growth was seen in the United States, where car production increased 9.1 percent to 11 million units. In Europe, the output only rose slightly by 0.2 percent to 15.9 million vehicles.

PwC expected global auto production in the new year to increase 5.84 percent to 87.36 million units, among which more German brand cars would be made abroad, especially in China and the United States.

In China, 100,000 more vehicles with German brands would be produced in 2014, while in the United States, output of German brands would grow 11.6 percent to more than 700,000 units, according to its estimate.

"German groups would continue their internationalization process, expanding their presence in China and North America," said Christoph Stuermer, Global Lead Analyst of PwC's automotive division.