The Russian light-vehicle market suffered a highly accelerated decline in sales in January 2015 due to the ongoing macroeconomic stress the market is facing, recording a 24.4 percent year-on-year decline to 115,390 units, according to the latest data released by the Association of European Businesses.

With 2015 off to a good start, IHS Automotive forecasts global automotive sales for 2015 to reach 88.6 million, an increase of 2.4 percent over 2014, continuing an unbroken five-year run of sales recovery and growth from the low point set in the depth of the Great Recession in 2009. However, a slowdown is being signaled with just two of the high-potential BRIC markets likely to see increased sales this year.

Passenger car demand in the European Union rose for the first time in six years during 2014, according to the latest data published by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA). Registrations during the year grew by 5.7 percent year on year (y/y) to 12.55 million units. December was also the 16th month in succession of gains, with registrations having grown during the month by 4.7 percent y/y to 951,329 units.

A recent IHS Automotive analysis of user interfaces in future automotive infotainment systems finds increased global commonality and complexity. Technologies and features developed by automakers and suppliers have heavily focused on designing interfaces that users can understand quickly and operate efficiently. The Multi-Modal Interface Concept is a major growth driver in building new and innovative human-machine interface (HMI) platforms, according to the analysis by IHS Automotive.

OEMs' insistence on more and more cost reductions has caused painful friction in the relationship, according to the annual Global OEM-Supplier Relations Study conducted by IHS Automotive. The survey allows automotive suppliers to rate car makers on a variety of matters, including technology sourcing, profit-impacting factors, quality management and intellectual property protection matters.

Analysis of the automotive market in China suggests significant growth opportunity continues in many of the country's provinces, though some will start to see growth rates change significantly, according to a detailed province-level forecast available from IHS Automotive.

BMW has confirmed the much anticipated news that it plans to invest approximately $1bn in a full production plant in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí.

Global automobile production will increase by 21 million units by 2021, and has grown by 25 million units since 2009 as the industry continues to recover from the impact of the global economic recession, according to a forecast by IHS Automotive, part of IHS Inc. China will dominate, but there is a considerable upside attached to the North American industry as it attracts foreign investment, and in the European industry as its domestic markets climb back. Japanese and South Korean production will decline as local OEMs focus their efforts overseas.

The world's leading automotive premium brands are looking to achieve significant growth between now and the end of the decade with the launch of new models, including expansion of their sport utility vehicle and crossover model lines. Some brands, such as Jaguar and Maserati, will be entering these segments for the first time.