Exercise 7. Read the text and find in it the words which mean the same: to get into the first place; a range of cars; to satisfy the needs; the main
producer; to fall behind; using little fuel.
Nowadays Japan and the United States are the largest car producers. Japan
replaced the United States as the top passenger car manufacturer from 1980
to 1983. It regained the top spot in 1987 and still holds the first place. Other
major producers include France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain. In
general, the largest automating countries also have the largest markets for
cars. The United States has the biggest car market by far. Such countries as
Japan, Italy, and France follow well behind.
The largest U.S. automakers, called the Big Three, are General Motors
Corporation, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler Corporation. Each of the
Big Three produces, under different trade names, a variety of cars and light
trucks designed to meet the needs, preferences, and incomes of different con-
sumers.
Japan's major producers include Toyota Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor
Company, Honda Motor Company, Mitsubishi Motor Company, and Mazda
Motor Corporation. Historically, Japanese cars made for use in Japan have
tended to be small, fuel efficient, and of limited power. This is because Japan
depends completely on imported oil and many of its streets are too narrow and
crowded for big cars. For export, Japan produces a range of models to satisfy
a variety of buyers. Many European companies make far fewer vehicles than

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