US auto imports predicted to fall to 15% in 15 years

Imported motor vehicles will fall from 21 percent to 15 percent of the US market by 1995, says Predicasts Inc., a Cleveland-based business information and market research firm.

Although imports grew rapidly by meeting consumer demands for lighter and smaller cars, they now face increasing competition from US producers due to government and market pressures resulting in vehicle size reductions.

According to a study of the market recently released by Predicasts Research group, the US will remain both the largest motor vehicle producer and the largest consumer over the next 15 years. Although it represents a maturing market (sales will decrease from 36 percent of the world total to 26 percent in 1995), the US will retain its position as the largest by virtue of its population size, economic maturity, and sophisticated road n etwork.