Alliances such as these represent a key factor in world car markets increasingly characterized by diversifying demand. The connections enable companies to address niche markets without the staggering costs of development, while competition continues in other areas. The cooperation results in lowered costs and improved efficiency, as well as facilitating the transfer of valuable technical and marketing know-how.

Long-established alliances with Western manufacturers continue to expand and multiply, while increasingly, ties with Asian manufacturers reflect the Japanese automobile industry's desire to establish a mutually beneficial global system of trade in automobiles and auto parts.

Gradually, political changes and rising disposable incomes in many nations are resulting in increased motorization. Global connections are seen as an effective way to respond to this trend, and will continue to multiply as the world's automobile industries extend to meet demand in a growing number of markets.