SOUTHFIELD, MI -- The number of vehicles on the road globally will top 1 billion by 2011, according to figures recently released by R. L. Polk & Co.

The heavy growth will be fueled primarily by the rapidly expanding Asian market, which will see 5.7 percent compound annual growth in vehicles in operation (VIO) in the next three years, Polk reports.

"Growth in the Asian market will be volatile in the next three years, but is still likely to lead growth worldwide," said Stephen Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "Obviously, Asia has been a burgeoning market for some time and global manufacturers are in a heated race to take advantage of opportunities in the region."

Asia will account for more than 23 percent (231 million vehicles) of global VIO by 2011. Europe and the Americas will account for 34 percent and 36 percent of global VIO by 2011, respectively

Polk finds that traditional markets -- the Americas and Western Europe -- will continue to see approximately 1.3 percent and 2 percent compound annual growth, respectively, in the next three years.

"Despite the rapid growth in Asia, it is still imperative for automakers to focus on North America and Europe," Polk said. "Even with sluggish signs in the economy, these are still growing markets, with a passion for the automobile. Winning here is essential for any automaker's global success."

Polk also noted that Eastern Europe will continue to expand at a rapid pace, with 4.3 percent compound annual growth in VIO by 2011.