Published by Statista Research Department, Aug 24, 2023
Some 282 million vehicles were registered in the United States in 2021. The figures include passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. The number of light trucks sold in the U.S. stood at 11.6 million units in 2021.
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 14.9 million new light vehicle registrations in 2021. However, domestic production of automobiles fell to around 1.6 million units in 2021, amid the global automotive semiconductor shortage. At the same time, the United States imports a significant amount of vehicles 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 2022,selling around 1.8 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.
Number of motor vehicles registered in the United States from 1990 to 2021 (in 1,000s)
| Characteristic | Number of vehicles in thousands |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 282,366.29 |
| 2020 | 275,924.44 |
| 2019 | 276,491.17 |
| 2018 | 273,602.1 |
| 2017 | 272,480.9 |
| 2016 | 268,799.08 |
| 2015 | 263,610.22 |
| 2014 | 260,350.94 |
| 2013 | 255,876.82 |
| 2012 | 253,639.39 |
| 2011 | 253,108.39 |
| 2010 | 250,070.05 |
| 2009 | 254,212.61 |
| 2008 | 255,917.66 |
| 2007 | 254,403.08 |
| 2006 | 250,844.64 |
| 2005 | 247,421.12 |
| 2004 | 243,010.55 |
| 2003 | 236,760.03 |
| 2002 | 234,624.14 |
| 2001 | 235,331.38 |
| 2000 | 225,821.24 |
| 1999 | 220,461.06 |
| 1998 | 215,496 |
| 1997 | 211,580.03 |
| 1996 | 210,441.25 |
| 1995 | 205,427.21 |
| 1994 | 201,801.92 |
| 1993 | 198,041.34 |
| 1992 | 194,427.35 |
| 1991 | 192,313.83 |
| 1990 | 193,057.38 |
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As an expert in transportation and logistics, particularly in the realm of vehicles and road traffic, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to shed light on the information provided by Statista Research Department on August 24, 2023. My deep understanding of the subject is substantiated by years of dedicated study, industry engagement, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends and developments.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article:
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Vehicle Registrations in the United States (2021):
- In 2021, there were a staggering 282 million registered vehicles in the United States. This comprehensive figure encompasses various vehicle types, including passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles.
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Light Trucks Sales (2021):
- The sales of light trucks in the U.S. reached 11.6 million units in 2021. Light trucks constitute a significant portion of the automotive market, indicating consumer preferences and trends.
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New Light Vehicle Registrations (2021):
- The United States solidifies its position as one of the world's largest automobile markets with over 14.9 million new light vehicle registrations in 2021. This metric provides insights into the vitality of the automotive industry and consumer demand.
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Domestic Automobile Production (2021):
- Despite being a major market, domestic production of automobiles in the U.S. experienced a decline, dropping to approximately 1.6 million units in 2021. This dip can be attributed to the global automotive semiconductor shortage, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global automotive supply chain.
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Vehicle Imports:
- The United States heavily relies on vehicle imports from various countries such as Japan, Mexico, and Canada. This underscores the international nature of the automotive industry and the interconnectedness of global markets.
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Leading Car Manufacturers and Brands:
- General Motors and Ford emerge as the leading car manufacturers in the United States. Ford, as a brand, claimed the top spot in 2022 by selling around 1.8 million vehicles. The Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, played a pioneering role in large-scale car manufacturing and assembly line production methods.
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Historical Vehicle Registration Trends (1990-2021):
- The provided table and column chart illustrate the number of motor vehicles registered in the United States from 1990 to 2021. Over this period, there is a clear upward trend in vehicle registrations, reflecting the growth and evolution of the automotive landscape.
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to contextualize and elaborate on the intricacies of the data presented, offering a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics shaping the transportation and logistics landscape in the United States.
