The auto industry's job cuts are concentrated in Germany, the U.S. and the UK but faster-growing economies have not been immune and are seeing automakers scale back operations there.

The Trump administration might still introduce tariffs despite letting a review period end in November with no action, Wilbur Ross said.

Germany's auto industry has survived and prospered during major headwinds, including the 2009 recession. But now that boom has come to a halt as automakers face unprecedented upheaval through new technologies, including electrification.

The automaker is building the Indonesian factory to avoid tariffs and compete with its Japanese rivals in Southeast Asia.