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BTS Indicators Report Shows Drop in Motor Vehicle Sales
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BTS 20-01
David Smallen
202-366-5568
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Friday, November 2, 2001 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) today released its monthly Transportation Indicators report showing that U.S. sales of light trucks, including pickups, sport utility vehicles and vans, declined almost 11 percent in September compared to September 2000.
Sales of cars fell 14 percent and medium and heavy truck sales fell 26 percent during the same period.
The BTS report is a monthly update of critical transportation information that details the impact of transportation on the nation’s economy and society.
Dr. Ashish Sen, BTS Director, said, "Transportation Indicators shows the trends in motor vehicle sales, an important indicator of the nation’s economic condition."
Transportation Indicators provides information on more than 90 trends in the areas of safety, mobility, economic growth, the human and natural environment, and
national security. The monthly report, which is available at www.bts.gov, provides information to address specific transportation issues and to assist in the effort led
by BTS to make transportation information more accurate, reliable, and timely. Updated reports will be available on the BTS website at the end of every month.
Other trends highlighted in this month’s report are:
- Highway-rail fatalities dropped almost 18 percent in July, while incidents fell over 20 percent, compared to July 2000.
- Producer prices of crude petroleum dropped 24 percent from September 2000 to September 2001, while producer prices of petroleum products were
down 7 percent.
- Producer prices of water transportation services rose almost 11 percent from September 2000 to September 2001.
- Public expenditures on construction of highways and streets fell almost 10 percent from July to August.
- Advance retail sales dropped 2 percent from August to September—suggesting changes in future demand for commercial transportation services.
- Average retail gasoline prices (all grades) declined 3 percent during the week of Oct.15, following a 4 percent decline the previous week.
- Net imports of petroleum declined nearly 12 percent in August compared to August 2000.
- The U.S. Coast Guard interdicted 469 illegal aliens in September, 41 percent more than in September 2000.
- Employment in air transportation declined nearly half a percent from August to September 2001. Employment in motor vehicle and equipment
manufacturing declined more than 1 percent while employment in public transit and water transportation each rose 1 percent. The September
employment data does not reflect changes that might have taken place in the aviation industry as a result of the events of Sept. 11.
Continual updating of information on trends will help in developing forecasts for the future, both within the department and outside. The monthly report will also help
transportation decision-makers spot changes that might require rapid action.
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