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
![Graph showing the market share of cars versus light trucks from 1975 to 2008. The popularity of light trucks has increased since the 1980s but in recent years consumers have shifted back to cars. For more detailed information, see the table below.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090116084050im_/http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/images/facts/fotw553.jpg)
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. |
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