Fact #553: January 12, 2009
Market Share of New Cars vs. Light Trucks
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
Supporting Information
| Model Year | Cars | Light Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 80.6% | 19.4% |
| 1976 | 78.8% | 21.2% |
| 1977 | 80.0% | 20.0% |
| 1978 | 77.3% | 22.7% |
| 1979 | 77.8% | 22.2% |
| 1980 | 83.5% | 16.5% |
| 1981 | 82.7% | 17.3% |
| 1982 | 80.3% | 19.7% |
| 1983 | 77.7% | 22.3% |
| 1984 | 76.1% | 23.9% |
| 1985 | 74.6% | 25.4% |
| 1986 | 71.7% | 28.3% |
| 1987 | 72.2% | 27.8% |
| 1988 | 70.2% | 29.8% |
| 1989 | 69.3% | 30.7% |
| 1990 | 69.8% | 30.2% |
| 1991 | 67.8% | 32.2% |
| 1992 | 66.6% | 33.4% |
| 1993 | 64.0% | 36.0% |
| 1994 | 59.6% | 40.4% |
| 1995 | 62.0% | 38.0% |
| 1996 | 60.0% | 40.0% |
| 1997 | 57.6% | 42.4% |
| 1998 | 55.1% | 44.9% |
| 1999 | 55.1% | 44.9% |
| 2000 | 55.1% | 44.9% |
| 2001 | 53.9% | 46.1% |
| 2002 | 51.5% | 48.5% |
| 2003 | 50.4% | 49.6% |
| 2004 | 48.0% | 52.0% |
| 2005 | 50.5% | 49.5% |
| 2006 | 52.9% | 47.1% |
| 2007 | 52.5% | 47.5% |
| 2008 | 52.0% | 48.0% |
|
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2008, September, 2008. | ||
Return to 2009 Facts of the Week