According to the latest guide, the EU produced 17.2 million motor vehicles in 2014, which is nearly a fifth of the world total.

New figures in this edition of the guide indicate that the industry supports 12.1 million jobs, underpinning communities across Europe. Of these, 2.3 million are directly involved in the manufacture of Europe's cars, vans, buses and trucks – and representing nearly 10.4% of total manufacturing employment in the EU. The automobile industry is also a global player and a major exporter, with a 95.1 billion euro trade surplus.

“This year's Pocket Guide highlights the continuing importance of the automotive industry to the European economy,” said Erik Jonnaert, secretary general of ACEA. “Its statistics show an industry that continues to provide employment and mobility, generate tax and trade revenue, and lead the world in terms of innovation.”

“Despite the economic challenges facing the industry, Europe is still a major producer of motor vehicles of all types.”

In addition to figures on employment, trade, production and registrations, this new edition includes refreshed chapters and graphs, as well as updated and broadened statistics about auto industry innovation and environmental performance.

The data also shows that the automobile and parts sector is the EU’s number one investor in R&D, with an annual spend of €41.5bn.

“Auto manufacturing is a vital contributor to Europe's industrial base, and it must be supported in order to ensure that its economic benefits continue to flow through the economy,” added Mr Jonnaert.

To access the guide, click here.