This report, by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) addresses trade and industry conditions for motor vehicles for the period 1997-2001. These include passenger vehicles, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and buses; bodies and chassis and the assembly process are also discussed. Chapters: introduction; U.S. motor vehicle industry profile (esp. manufacturing trends, productivity, R&D, labor intensity, and vertical integration); U.S. market: consumer characteristics and factors affecting demand, the effects of Sept. 11 on the U.S. automotive industry, consumption, and production; U.S. trade; foreign industry profile: European Union (EU), Japan, Korea, Canada, and Mexico. Tariff and trade agreement terms. Extensive charts and tables.