The market share of new light trucks climbed steadily through the 1980's and most of the 1990's, much of it due to the rising popularity of the minivan and the sport utility vehicle. In 2004, light trucks outsold cars. In recent years, however, consumers have shifted purchasing preferences back toward cars.

Market Share of Cars and Light Trucks, 1975-2008
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Supporting Information

Market Share of Cars and Light Trucks, 1975-2008
Model YearCarsLight Trucks
197580.6%19.4%
197678.8%21.2%
197780.0%20.0%
197877.3%22.7%
197977.8%22.2%
198083.5%16.5%
198182.7%17.3%
198280.3%19.7%
198377.7%22.3%
198476.1%23.9%
198574.6%25.4%
198671.7%28.3%
198772.2%27.8%
198870.2%29.8%
198969.3%30.7%
199069.8%30.2%
199167.8%32.2%
199266.6%33.4%
199364.0%36.0%
199459.6%40.4%
199562.0%38.0%
199660.0%40.0%
199757.6%42.4%
199855.1%44.9%
199955.1%44.9%
200055.1%44.9%
200153.9%46.1%
200251.5%48.5%
200350.4%49.6%
200448.0%52.0%
200550.5%49.5%
200652.9%47.1%
200752.5%47.5%
200852.0%48.0%

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2008, September, 2008.

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