Fact #475: June 25, 2007
Light Vehicle Weight on the Rise
In 1975, the average weight of a new car and the average weight of a new light truck were both just over 4,000 lbs. In the late 1970's and early 1980's, the average weight began to decline. Both cars and light trucks were at their lightest weight in 1987. Since then, the weight for both vehicle types has been generally increasing. In 2006, light trucks averaged 1,149 lbs. heavier than cars.
Note: Light trucks are defined as trucks less than 8,500 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating.
Supporting Information
| Year | Cars | Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | 4,058 | 4,072 |
| 1976 | 4,059 | 4,155 |
| 1977 | 3,944 | 4,135 |
| 1978 | 3,588 | 4,151 |
| 1979 | 3,485 | 4,252 |
| 1980 | 3,101 | 3,869 |
| 1981 | 3,076 | 3,806 |
| 1982 | 3,054 | 3,806 |
| 1983 | 3,112 | 3,763 |
| 1984 | 3,099 | 3,782 |
| 1985 | 3,093 | 3,795 |
| 1986 | 3,041 | 3,738 |
| 1987 | 3,031 | 3,713 |
| 1988 | 3,047 | 3,841 |
| 1989 | 3,099 | 3,921 |
| 1990 | 3,176 | 4,005 |
| 1991 | 3,154 | 3,948 |
| 1992 | 3,240 | 4,056 |
| 1993 | 3,207 | 4,073 |
| 1994 | 3,250 | 4,125 |
| 1995 | 3,263 | 4,184 |
| 1996 | 3,282 | 4,225 |
| 1997 | 3,274 | 4,344 |
| 1998 | 3,306 | 4,283 |
| 1999 | 3,365 | 4,412 |
| 2000 | 3,369 | 4,375 |
| 2001 | 3,380 | 4,463 |
| 2002 | 3,391 | 4,546 |
| 2003 | 3,421 | 4,586 |
| 2004 | 3,462 | 4,710 |
| 2005 | 3,490 | 4,711 |
| 2006 | 3,563 | 4,712 |
|
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Light-Duty Automotive Technology and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 Through 2006, Appendix D, July 2006. | ||
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