U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Vehicle Technologies Program
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 
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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