The global automotive industry, including manufacturers of cars and light trucks, automotive components, and tires, generated revenues in excess of $2 trillion in 2014. Approximately 10 million jobs are directly involved in car manufacturing worldwide, accounting for 5% of manufacturing employment, and another 50 million jobs are indirectly related to the car industry. The industry is a major consumer of such key commodities as copper, aluminum, and steel. Thus, car manufacturing and its suppliers play a significant role in the global economy. In this comprehensive examination of the global automotive industry, the author provides an overview of the industry’s competitive structure, including key demand drivers and the growing importance of emerging markets, and offers practical guidance for effective analysis of publicly traded automotive firms.