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According to Ward’s Automotive, in calendar year 2015 light vehicle sales reached 17.4 million which is a record high. In 2000, there were 17.2 million light vehicles sold, the highest point until 2015. This sales record comes six years after the Great Recession that saw vehicle sales plummet to 10.3 million vehicles in 2009.
Light Vehicle Sales, 1970-2015
Note: Includes cars and light trucks up to 14,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)
Supporting Information
| Calendar Year | Vehicle Sales (Millions) |
|---|---|
| 1970 | 9.9 |
| 1971 | 11.9 |
| 1972 | 13.1 |
| 1973 | 14.0 |
| 1974 | 11.0 |
| 1975 | 10.7 |
| 1976 | 12.9 |
| 1977 | 14.3 |
| 1978 | 14.9 |
| 1979 | 13.5 |
| 1980 | 10.9 |
| 1981 | 10.2 |
| 1982 | 10.0 |
| 1983 | 11.7 |
| 1984 | 13.6 |
| 1985 | 14.7 |
| 1986 | 16.0 |
| 1987 | 14.8 |
| 1988 | 15.4 |
| 1989 | 14.4 |
| 1990 | 13.9 |
| 1991 | 12.3 |
| 1992 | 12.9 |
| 1993 | 13.9 |
| 1994 | 15.1 |
| 1995 | 14.7 |
| 1996 | 15.0 |
| 1997 | 15.1 |
| 1998 | 15.5 |
| 1999 | 16.8 |
| 2000 | 17.3 |
| 2001 | 17.1 |
| 2002 | 16.8 |
| 2003 | 16.6 |
| 2004 | 16.8 |
| 2005 | 16.9 |
| 2006 | 16.5 |
| 2007 | 16.0 |
| 2008 | 13.2 |
| 2009 | 10.3 |
| 2010 | 11.6 |
| 2011 | 12.7 |
| 2012 | 14.4 |
| 2013 | 15.5 |
| 2014 | 16.4 |
| 2015 | 17.4 |
Sources: Ward's Automotive | |