Automobile manufacturers are among the largest companies in the world. These corporations are often multinational. These companies often share parts. or use parts made in foreign factories. The U.S. automobile industry produces 16.8 million vehicles in 1999. The three major automobile manufacturers in the United States General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Daimler Chrysler AG- provide three-fourths of the industry's total direct employment in the United States At the start of the 21 st century, the trends of global trade an manufacturing flexibility continue. Computerization continues to be a major part of part of auto design and manufacture. as do the search for alternative fuels and more efficient automobile designs• Automobile manufacturers are among the largest companies in the world. These corporations are often multinational. These companies often share parts, or use parts made in foreign factories. The U.S. automobile industry produces 16.8 million vehicles in 1999. The three major automobile manufacturers in the United States – General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Daimler Chrysler AG – provide three-fourths of the industry’s total direct employment in the United States. • At the start of the 21st century, the trends of global trade and • manufacturing flexibility continue. Computerization continues to be a major part of part of auto design and manufacture, as do the search for alternative fuels and more efficient automobile designs