When it comes to the good ol’ USA, auto sales have seen a huge spike in numbers due to increased economic output, improved transportation infrastructure, and the on-going industrialization of the world. What’s more, our sources indicate that some 74–78 million vehicles are sold around the world every year.
Still, a significant percentage of these vehicles are sold in the US (more so than anywhere else in the world), where the automotive market is worth tens of billions of dollars annually.
This article will cover the most important US auto sales statistics to help readers gain a better understanding of the market. Some of the main topics that will be discussed include the number of car sales by model and manufacturer, vehicle sales by state, the number of yearly car purchases, the increased prevalence of electric cars, and more.
So, without further ado, let’s dive straight in!
Car Sales Statistics in the US — Editor’s Choice
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Car Sales During the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic
1. We saw a decline in car sales in 2020 across the board.
The global pandemic hit businesses around the world and brought major economies to a halt in 2020. The auto industry was no exception and North American car sales dropped across the board among all auto manufacturers in every state.
Many people lost their businesses and jobs and this uncertainty of the economic future prevented consumers from unnecessarily spending money on cars. People kept a working primary vehicle and upgrading or purchasing secondary vehicles became unimportant.
2. In 2020 the search volume for best car deals and truck deals has grown 70% globally from March 22 to March 28 versus March 15 to March 21 of the same year.
The automotive industry’s outlook on the overall decrease of car sales in 2020 prompted them to offer deals on cars and trucks. Price is always a huge factor for consumers when it comes to buying cars and these deals offer a substantial relief on car and truck prices.
In many countries, automakers offered no-interest financing and no-penalty payment deferments deals. Consumers took notice and search volumes for best car deals and truck deals grew 70% around the world from March 22 to March 28, 2020, versus the previous week.
Source: Think with Google
3. While car sales overall were down in the summer of 2020, they were up among 18-35-year-olds due to the fear of contracting the virus in public transport or in rideshares.
These car sales records were especially true for 18-35-year-olds living in cities who had never needed cars prior to the pandemic. They did not want to travel in rideshares and public transport to maintain social distancing and a car seemed like the ultimate PPE because it creates a bubble for travelers.
Moreover, since the pandemic cities now have limited activities, young adults are more interested in activities like hiking and beaches. These are open-air and safe activities that are not restricted. While most city dwellers would previously rent cars for driving out of the city for that purpose, they are now interested in buying cars as long-term solutions and avoiding recently used rented cars.
Source: The Atlantic
4. Nearly half of US consumers (47%) are planning to keep their current vehicle longer than they originally expected.
This is a direct result of the consumer pullback from buying new vehicles. New car sales were at their lowest in many countries as indicated by auto sales history and the US was a part of this trend. Other major countries following this consumer trend included Germany at 40%, Japan at 48%, and China at 65%.
Source: Deloitte
US Auto Sales Statistics by Manufacturer and Model
5. The Ford F-Series was the best-selling model in the US (in 2019), according to the following chart:
US auto sales Report by Year
6. 2016 was the year with the largest number of retail light-vehicle sales (passenger cars and light trucks) in the US, as seen in the following table:
| Year | Number of Cars Sold |
| 2010 | 11.55 million |
| 2011 | 12.74 million |
| 2012 | 14.43 million |
| 2013 | 15.53 million |
| 2014 | 16.45 million |
| 2015 | 17.39 million |
| 2016 | 17.46 million |
| 2017 | 17.13 million |
| 2018 | 17.21 million |
| 2019 | 16.96 million |
Based on this car sales data table, we start noticing trends that have influenced the US auto sales market in recent years.
US auto sales reached an all-time low in 2009 largely due to the economic crisis (of the period) when only 10.4 million vehicles were sold in the US. Yet, soon after, we got an all-time high 17.46 million units being sold in 2016.
Recent automobile sales figures seem to indicate that the number of cars being sold is slowly decreasing. Yet, it is doing so at a rate that is currently having no impact whatsoever on the automotive industry as a whole.
Additionally, most experts suggest that the appearance of cheaper and better electric cars will soon drive these numbers up again.
Source: Statista
New Cars vs Used Cars
7. 61.4% of car buyers prefer to buy from a dealership.
Car buyers prefer dealerships and in the pandemic situation, the low number of car buyers actively wanted to purchase from them. A big part of the car market in the USA responded to this by moving toward digital car dealing means.
These dealerships began to offer online chat negotiations, online estimates for trade-ins, and digital retailing and financing options. Some even began to offer home delivery services so car buyers would not have to visit the dealership for anything during the pandemic.
Source: The Zebra
8. Total auto sales for second-hand vehicles have increased twofold compared to new car sales in the US
Over time, the recorded data has shown that the number of new car sales has never exceeded the number of used vehicles sold during the same reference period.
Source: Statista
9. 40.42 million used cars were sold in 2018, compared to just 17.21 million new vehicles
Similar used and new car statistics have been reported annually for the past decade. For instance, 17.14 million new cars and 39.2 million used cars were sold back in 2017.
Source: Statista
10. 2009 marked the worst year for both new and second-hand car sales
Due to the financial crisis, only 10.4 million new cars and 35.5 million used vehicles were sold in the US in 2009, as pointed out by annual car sales, in what is often referred to as the worst year for vehicle sales. Similar trends were reported in other regions of the world as well.
Source: Statista
11. 2005 was the year with the largest number of second-hand car sales in the US, according to the table below:
| Year | The Number of Used Cars Sold |
| 2000 | 41.6 million |
| 2005 | 44.1 million |
| 2010 | 38.8 million |
| 2014 | 41.2 million |
Source: LiveAbout
US Vehicle Sales by State
12. The highest number of car sales is most often recorded in California — in 2018, a total of 896,007 personal vehicles were sold in said state
2018’s numbers place California well above most other states, as we will see later on in more depth.
Source: Statista
13. Florida represents the second-highest state in terms of the number of cars being sold in 2018 according to US auto sales statistics.
According to Statista, 511,530 passenger car sales were recorded, as shown by automotive sales figures. This highlights California’s supremacy in terms of overall vehicle sales within the States.
When accounting for second-hand sales as well, reports indicate that roughly 1.3 million light vehicles were sold and purchased in Florida during the same year.
Source: Statista
14. Texas ranked third on the said list with 450,825 new car sales in 2018, as shown by automobile sales data down below:
1st place: California, 896,007 sales
2nd place: Florida, 511,530 sales
3rd place: Texas, 450,825 sales
4th place: New York, 280,607 sales
5th place: Oklahoma, 260,175 sales
6th place: Illinois, 184,752 sales
7th place: Pennsylvania, 179,470 sales
8th place: Georgia, 179,402 sales
9th place: Ohio 175,681 sales
10th place: North Carolina, 153,736 sales
Source: Statista
US Electric Car Sales Statistics
15. California represents the largest US market for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as shown by US annual car sales
This is mostly due to California’s friendly regulatory framework towards electric vehicles. The state has also financed the creation of several electric vehicle charging points, thus contributing to the local EV infrastructure.
Source: Statista
16. 4.7% of new vehicles sold during 2018 in California were EVs
This percentage gets even higher if we take second-hand sales into account, as reported by automotive statistics. Thus, it is no surprise that California is actively incentivizing electric vehicles, while also allowing trials of self-driving cars.
Source: Statista
17. According to Statista, by 2030, there will be over 3 million electric vehicles driving on California roads
This figure just goes on to show that infrastructure investments are still necessary, not only in California but also in other states, judging how these vehicles are bound to cross state lines. Predictions do show that California will continue holding the highest number of EVs of the total number of cars in the US.
Source: Statista
18. There were 3.3 million electric vehicles in use worldwide during 2018
Since then, it is quite likely that the number has surpassed the 4 million units threshold. The appearance of multiple affordable models will lead to an even higher increase in EV sales, as reported by most market experts. Thus, over the next few years, the world will see an abrupt increase in electric vehicle sales numbers.
Source: Statista
19. Tesla currently represents the best-selling EV brand in the US
This statistic isn’t just applicable to the US exclusively. Rather, Tesla represents the world’s biggest EV manufacturer, with millions of units sold around the globe.
Source: Statista
20. The Tesla Model 3 was the best-selling EV in the US, back in 2018
Model 3 was designed to serve as an affordable run-of-the-mill EV, meant to target budget car sales. Yet, it remains quite luxurious when compared to most other cars on the market. Its low price, high range, and insane acceleration performance makes it one of the best EVs available on the market today.
Source: Statista
21. In 2018, 2 million plug-in light vehicles were sold around the globe
These numbers are growing rapidly as more and more businesses pursue long-term sustainability through eco-friendly alternatives. This also includes the number of EV cars sold in the US.
Source: Statista
22. 7.3% of newly-registered cars in the UK operate via alternative fuel sources
Similar values are being recorded in other Western countries as well. Regardless, Northern Europe is paving the way in terms of overall EV usage.
Source: Statista
23. 0.8% of European cars were classed as either hybrid or electric vehicles during 2017
As such, the European market is also seeing the numerous benefits of electric vehicles. However, mass-adoption is not feasible, nor sustainable if the charging infrastructure is not upgraded. When making a comparison with US auto sales by model, the same brands are popular in both Europe and the US. Still, Europe sees more NEVs.
Source: Eurostat
Worldwide Car Sales Statistics
24. According to Statista, roughly 74 million new cars will be sold in 2020 worldwide
This is based on predictions made by auto industry experts. We can notice a downward trend caused by the slowdown in the global economy — the number of car sales by the company has declined over the past few years. An important factor worth pointing out is that initial predictions pointed towards the sale of 80 million units during 2019 — however, this figure was never reached.
Source: Statista
25. Approximately 21 million vehicles were sold in China in 2019
Asia accounts for a significant percentage of global car sales. Yet, the biggest share is held by the Chinese market, thanks to its large population and vast purchasing power.
Source: Statista
Bottom Line
Hopefully, the US auto sales statistics featured in this article have expanded your understanding of the car market in the US as well as around the globe. Most trends indicate that in the future, the number of gas, petrol, and diesel-based vehicles will fall considerably, giving way to electric vehicles. Most manufacturers will remain in business, yet market changes will also favor electric-focused brands such as Tesla and other relevant competitors, which will be responsible for a significant percentage of future American cars’ sales.
If you consider purchasing a new car, we strongly recommend that you find the best car insurance in order to protect your investment.
