U.S. vehicles - projected average age 2017-2019

Average vehicle age in the United States is expected to marginally grow between 2017 and 2019, with projections for the latter at 11.8 years. Two decades earlier, passenger cars had met the scrapper after about 10.3 years.

High-quality vehicles

Long-term auto loans and good quality might be the main reasons why American motorists keep their automobiles longer and have taken an interest in buying used cars. New light vehicle sales are stalling, whereas used sales of light vehicles are up.

The future market

At 11.8 years old, average vehicle age in the United States is at a record high but the newest cars on the market are entering the next era of automotive technology. Shared mobility, automation, and electrification are several key aspects of the modernization of the motor industry. Despite declining new vehicle sales, electric vehicles are increasing considerably in demand in the U.S. Already, electric cars are the favored choice in other markets such as Norway or China, where electric is seen as the modern and superior technology, compared to combustion engines. This new consumer preference will drive the electric vehicle market to reach over half a trillion by 2025.