"Although some governments are taking steps to reduce auto-related carbon emissions, the sheer volume of vehicles being added to the global fleet over the next decade will largely negate these efforts," Humphrey said.
"The global growth pattern points to vehicle carbon emissions and overall air quality getting worse before they get better, " he added.
The JD Power report also noted that global shift in growth toward emerging markets has significant implications for the world's automakers, who will need to reassess their global strategic priorities and reallocate resources to meet the new market paradigm.
New investments in vehicle production will be shifted to emerging markets, particularly in Asia, which will also drive investment in automotive tooling and component manufacturing, the report said.
Global vehicle design and engineering operations will also be developed more extensively from Asia to better serve local market tastes.
More global sourcing decisions will also be made in Asia, as the region will account for the greatest concentration of production and sales, it said.