Do the antivirus companies make viruses to stay in business?

Sure and the auto makers take payoffs from the gas companys for keeping secret ways to increase gas milage. I'm being facetious. No they are not.

Do the antivirus companies make viruses to stay in business?cafe racer

No, they get more than enough business without!

Do the antivirus companies make viruses to stay in business?free anti virus

They don't need to make them up, there are plenty of idiots out there with nothing better to do.
i say the trial versions do so you will buy it, freeware is the only way to go not the trial versions. i say cyber defender free 2.0 is the best anti virus program and it has updates and it is a complete package.
Your idea that the big anti-malware vendors produce viruses and other malware to create customers for there products in one of the oldest ''urban legends'' in existence. An old ''wives-tale'' if you will!

I suppose that you also believe that Doctors create diseases so they can charge people to cure them?

I suppose that you also believe that Tow Truck Drivers cause car accidents so that they can charge people to tow the wreak away?

I suppose that you also believe that Fire-Fighters light buildings on fire so they can ''promote business''?

Your thesis is complete nonsense and IMHO any excessive malware problem that you may have is a classic case of PEBKAC. Google it!
Anti-viruses are supposed to prevent viruses. Since they know how to prevent viruses, they must know how to create these viruses. So, unless they are honest, it is possible for them to make viruses. Whether they do or not, I don't know.