Light truck sales in the United States 1980-2021
Light truck retail sales in the United States decreased to 11.6 million units in 2021. This was a year-over-year increase in sales of some five percent compared to 2020, which was the first drop in sales in a decade. Sales had been increasing since 2010, when the auto industry began recovering from low vehicle purchases after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. In 2021, sales of light trucks accounted for about 78 percent of the approximately 15 million light vehicles sold in the United States. Ford, with its signature truck, the Ford F-150, was one of the the leading North American car brands in the United States.
Why are consumers buying trucks now?
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, the U.S. economy had largely recovered from the woes of the financial crisis and unemployment in the United States fell to 3.7 percent in 2019. This meant that consumers were better able to purchase new vehicles. Similarly, due to lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices, motorists were more willing to buy trucks over smaller, more fuel-efficient sedans.
Why are consumers buying trucks now?
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, the U.S. economy had largely recovered from the woes of the financial crisis and unemployment in the United States fell to 3.7 percent in 2019. This meant that consumers were better able to purchase new vehicles. Similarly, due to lower gasoline and diesel fuel prices, motorists were more willing to buy trucks over smaller, more fuel-efficient sedans.
