Just four of the 20 largest global component producers – three of them tyre manufacturers - have made it into the latest Automotive Strategies International Top 20 profits league.

USA headquartered Delphi had the highest turnover of the world's parts makers for the 1999-2000 financial year (2000/1 Japan), but Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear and TRW were all more profitable.

In-depth analysis of the industry's 80 top players has been published in the World Automotive Components Yearbook 2001 - Financial and Strategic Review by David Wilson and Rosie Baines, which profiles companies from Aisin Seiki to ZF Group and looks at individuals' turnover, productivity, profitability and profitability by employee. Copies of the full report cost £295 plus £5 postage and packing and can be ordered from pram-org on 01803 329488.