The U.S. auto industry sold nearly ************* cars in 2024. That year, total car and light truck sales were approximately ************ in the United States. U.S. vehicle sales peaked in 2016 at roughly ************ units. Pandemic impact The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted the U.S. automotive market, accelerating the global automotive semiconductor shortage and leading to a drop in demand during the first months of 2020. However, as demand rebounded, new vehicle supply could not keep up with the market. U.S. inventory-to-sales ratio dropped to its lowest point in February 2022, as Russia's war on Ukraine lead to gasoline price hikes. During that same period, inflation also impacted new and used car prices, pricing many U.S. consumers out of a market with increasingly lower car stocks. Focus on fuel economy The U.S. auto industry had one of its worst years in 1982 when customers were beginning to feel the effects of the 1973 oil crisis and the energy crisis of 1979. Since light trucks would often be considered less fuel-efficient, cars accounted for about ** percent of light vehicle sales back then. Thanks to improved fuel economy for light trucks and cheaper gas prices, this picture had completely changed in 2020. That year, prices for Brent oil dropped to just over ** U.S. dollars per barrel. The decline occurred in tandem with lower gasoline prices, which came to about **** U.S. dollars per gallon in 2020 - and cars only accounted for less than one-fourth of light vehicle sales that year. Four years on, prices are dropping again, after being the highest on record since 1990 in 2022.

In 2024, the auto industry in the United States sold approximately 15.9 million light vehicle units. This figure includes retail sales of about three million passenger cars and just under 12.9 million light trucks. Lower fuel consumption There are many kinds of light vehicles available in the United States. Light-duty vehicles are popular for their utility and improved fuel economy, making them an ideal choice for savvy consumers. As of Model Year 2023, the light vehicle manufacturer with the best overall miles per gallon was Kia, with one gallon of gas allowing for 30.4 miles on the road. Higher brand satisfaction When asked about light vehicle satisfaction, consumers in the United States were most satisfied with Toyota, Subaru, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz models. Another survey conducted in 2018 and quizzing respondents on their stance regarding the leading car brands indicated that Lexus was among the most dependable brands based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles.

Key information about United States Motor Vehicles Sales

• United States Motor Vehicles Sales recorded 1,253,157 units in Feb 2025, compared with 1,138,523 units in the previous month.
• US Motor Vehicles Sales is updated monthly, available from Jan 1976 to Feb 2025, with an averaged number of 1,270,900 units.
• The data reached an all-time high of 1,845,713 units in Jul 2005 and a record low of 670,466 units in Jan 2009.
• In the latest reports, Retail Sales of US grew 1 % YoY in May 2023.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price: Used Vehicle data was reported at 8,786.000 USD in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 8,483.000 USD for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price: Used Vehicle data is updated yearly, averaging 8,130.000 USD from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,786.000 USD in 2010 and a record low of 5,857.000 USD in 1990. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price: Used Vehicle data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA004: Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price.

In 2024, the Ford Motor Company sold about *** million vehicles to dealers and distributors worldwide. The U.S. market contributed about *** million units to this wholesale volume. Ford in the worldwide market Founded by Henry Ford in Detroit, in 1903, the Ford Motor Company was an early pioneer in vehicle manufacturing. This established Ford as one of the world’s first mass producers of automobiles. Recently, Ford has experienced some difficulties. In 2020, for the first time since 2008, the company recorded a net loss. This decline in income was partly the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which put manufacturing at a standstill and led to a decrease in automobile demand. Despite these issues, the Ford brand consistently ranks as one of the highest valued automotive brands worldwide. Valued at around *** billion U.S. dollars, Ford Motor Company's namesake brand came eighth among the most valuable brands within the automotive sector worldwide in June 2024, right behind BYD. The F-Series: Ford's bestseller With around *** million sales in 2024, the United States was the leading market for Ford Motor Company’s Ford-branded vehicles. Among Ford’s model line-up is one of the world’s most popular vehicles: the F-150. The F-series has proven to be consistently one of the most popular light vehicle models in Canada and the United States over several decades, and ranks fourth in the best-selling cars and light trucks worldwide in 2024. The company further expanded its F-Series line-up with an all-electric version of the popular pickup, the F-150 Lightning truck.

United States - Retail Sales: New Car Dealers was -2.90000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: New Car Dealers reached a record high of 54.90000 in May of 2020 and a record low of -25.70000 in September of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: New Car Dealers - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States - Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers was -0.60000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in February of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers reached a record high of 54.40000 in May of 2020 and a record low of -21.20000 in September of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Light truck retail sales in the United States increased to 12.9 million units in 2024. This was a year-over-year increase in sales of some 3.94 percent compared to 2023. In contrast, 2022 was the second drop in sales in a decade, after the drop reported in 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales had been increasing since 2010, when the auto industry began recovering from low vehicle purchases after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. In 2024, sales of light trucks accounted for about 81.2 percent of the approximately 15.9 million light vehicles sold in the United States. Ford, with its signature truck, the Ford F-150, was one of the leading North American car brands in the United States. Why are consumers buying trucks now? Before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, the U.S. economy had largely recovered from the woes of the financial crisis and unemployment in the United States fell to 3.7 percent in 2019. This meant that consumers were better able to purchase new vehicles. Similarly, due to lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices, motorists were more willing to buy trucks over smaller, more fuel-efficient sedans. 2022 presented a challenge for this automotive market, with Russia's war on Ukraine leading to motor fuel price inflation and to higher new and used car prices.

In September 2024, the U.S. automotive industry's inventory-to-sales ratio decreased compared to August 2024, reaching 1.27. This was however a slight uptick compared to the levels recorded in 2022, when the global chip shortage depleted automotive dealerships' car supply. Chip shortage impacts supply The inventory/sales ratio reported in February 2022 was a record low for the United States' automotive sector, lower than the ratio one month earlier, in January 2022. The ratio slumped when U.S. vehicle sales began to gain steam and supply remained low amid shortages of automotive parts, most notably microchips. In contrast, the inventory-to-sales level rose to its highest in January 2009 amid the 2008/09 financial crisis, reaching about 4.6. High demand but low consumer satisfaction The impact of the shortage is not just felt by dealerships but also impacts consumers' car buying experience. Around 48 percent of U.S. consumers intended to buy a car as of September 2024, a share which remained stable compared to survey results gathered from October 2021 to September 2022. Some of the most in demand brands in the United States maintained relatively low days of supply values, indicative of potential issues for consumers looking to acquire a popular model.

United States - Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers was -0.20000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in February of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers reached a record high of 58.00000 in May of 2020 and a record low of -23.10000 in September of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on August of 2025.

United States - Advance Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers was 24.10000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in March of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Advance Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers reached a record high of 54.40000 in May of 2020 and a record low of -21.20000 in September of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Advance Retail Sales: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Some 284.6 million vehicles were registered in the United States in 2023. The figures include passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. The number of light trucks sold in the U.S. stood at 12.4 million units in 2023. U.S. vehicle registrations The United States is one of the world’s largest automobile markets based on the number of new light vehicle registrations, with more than 15.5 million new light vehicle registrations in 2023. However, domestic production of automobiles stood at around 1.7 million units in 2023, which was under half the output recorded in 2016. At the same time, the United States imports a significant number of vehicles and vehicle parts from various countries, such as Japan, Mexico, and Canada. Leading car manufacturers in the United States The leading car manufacturers overall in the United States include the domestic heavyweights General Motors and Ford. With respect to car brands, the Ford brand clocked in at number one in 2024, selling around 2.1 million vehicles in the United States alone. The brand's holding company is the Ford Motor Company; it was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 in Dearborn, Michigan. The company pioneered in large-scale car manufacturing and introduced production methods such as the assembly line.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price data was reported at 13,105.000 USD in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,518.000 USD for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price data is updated yearly, averaging 12,098.000 USD from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,451.000 USD in 2007 and a record low of 8,691.000 USD in 1990. United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA004: Motor Vehicle Sales: Average Price.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data was reported at 36,883.987 Unit th in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 35,491.762 Unit th for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data is updated yearly, averaging 40,841.228 Unit th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 44,138.263 Unit th in 2005 and a record low of 35,491.762 Unit th in 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Used Vehicle: Sales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.RA005: Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Quantity.

Key information about United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars

• United States Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars was reported at 12,892,621.000 Unit in Dec 2023.
• This records an increase from the previous number of 11,371,749.000 Unit for Dec 2022.
• US Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars data is updated yearly, averaging 9,784,346.000 Unit from Dec 2005 to 2023, with 19 observations.
• The data reached an all-time high of 12,892,621.000 Unit in 2023 and a record low of 5,200,478.000 Unit in 2009.
• US Motor Vehicle Sales: Commercial Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers.
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Automobile Sector – Table RA.OICA.MVS: Motor Vehicle Sales: by Country and Type: Commercial Vehicle (CV).

United States - Auto Inventory/Sales was 1.50200 Ratio in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Auto Inventory/Sales reached a record high of 4.64300 in January of 2009 and a record low of 0.42700 in January of 2022. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Auto Inventory/Sales - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on August of 2025.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle data was reported at 14,550.000 Unit th in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 13,053.000 Unit th for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle data is updated yearly, averaging 18,940.000 Unit th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 22,700.000 Unit th in 2000 and a record low of 13,053.000 Unit th in 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA005: Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Quantity.

United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle: Sales: Passenger Cars data was reported at 5,980.000 Unit th in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,850.000 Unit th for 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle: Sales: Passenger Cars data is updated yearly, averaging 8,200.000 Unit th from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2010, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,300.000 Unit th in 1990 and a record low of 5,850.000 Unit th in 2009. United States Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: New Vehicle: Sales: Passenger Cars data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RA005: Motor Vehicle Sales & Leases: Quantity.

United States - Retail Sales: Automobile Dealers was -3.00000 % Chg. from Preceding Period in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Retail Sales: Automobile Dealers reached a record high of 55.80000 in May of 2020 and a record low of -24.30000 in September of 2009. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Retail Sales: Automobile Dealers - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

Around ******* battery electric vehicles were sold in the Americas in 2021, according to data provided by EV-Volumes. This was a year-on-year rise of almost ** percent. The battery electric vehicle sales in the region made up just over ***** percent of the total plug-in electric vehicle sales worldwide.