United States: light vehicle sales by manufacturer YTD 2020 & 2021

Between January and December 2021, General Motors was the leading automotive manufacturer based on sales in the United States. The Detroit company sold just under 2.3 million passenger cars and light trucks in the U.S., almost 267,600 fewer vehicles compared with the same time period one year earlier. Most other manufacturers were able to expand their sales throughout 2021, with Mazda, the BMW Group and the Hyundai Kia Auto Group recording the steepest increases.

Electric sales continue growth

In 2021, electric vehicles have fared better than conventional vehicles so far. Tesla’s vehicle sales are indicative of this trend, as U.S. motorists purchased over 300,000 new Tesla vehicles in 2021. Tesla's worldwide deliveries broke records in 2021. However, competition is beginning to gain momentum, and manufacturers such as General Motors are continuing to add new electric vehicle models into their range of vehicles offered. In 2020, its Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle model ranked within the five best-selling battery-electric models, outperforming the Tesla Model S.

Vehicle market trends continue during coronavirus crisis

Annual retail sales of new light vehicles in the United States peaked in 2016, when the industry sold over three million units more than in 2020. The declining trend took place during a period of stagnation in the global automotive market, which saw light vehicle sales decline by around 16 percent between 2019 and 2020. During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, transport modes that minimize contact with other people have become more attractive. U.S. vehicle sales quickly recovered between May and September, although many Americans lost parts of their income or even became redundant. In June 20221, sales started to dip again.