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Fact #445: November 27, 2006
U.S. Population Growth and Light Vehicle Sales

In 2006, one light vehicle was sold for every 17.8 persons in the U.S. In 2000, there was one light vehicle sold for every 16.2 persons. This indicates that the U.S. population is growing at a greater rate than vehicle sales for the first time in over 30 years.

Persons per New Light Vehicle Sale
Graph showing trend that the U.S. population is growing at a faster rate than vehicle sales for the first time in over 30 years. For more detailed information, see the table below.

Note: Full calendar year sales data for 2006 estimated by Automotive News Data Center.

Supporting Information

Persons per New Light Vehicle Sale
Year One sale for every:
1960 24.9 persons
1970 20.6 persons
1980 20.2 persons
1990 17.9 persons
2000 16.2 persons
2006 17.8 persons

Source: Crain Communications, Automotive News, October 23, 2006.

 

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Content Last Updated: 07/22/2009