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According to Ward's Automotive, in calendar year 2016 light vehicle sales reached 17.5 million, which is a record high, breaking the record of 17.4 million set in 2015. In 2000, there were 17.2 million light vehicles sold, the highest point until 2015. Light vehicle sales have increased for the past seven years. Sales are 69% higher than during the Great Recession that saw vehicle sales plummet to 10.3 million vehicles in 2009.
Light Vehicle Sales, 1970-2016
Note: Includes cars and light trucks up to 14,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
Supporting Information
| Calendar Year | Vehicle Sales (Millions) | Calendar Year | Vehicle Sales (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 9.9 | 1994 | 15.1 |
| 1971 | 11.9 | 1995 | 14.7 |
| 1972 | 13.1 | 1996 | 15.0 |
| 1973 | 14.0 | 1997 | 15.1 |
| 1974 | 11.0 | 1998 | 15.5 |
| 1975 | 10.7 | 1999 | 16.8 |
| 1976 | 12.9 | 2000 | 17.3 |
| 1977 | 14.3 | 2001 | 17.1 |
| 1978 | 14.9 | 2002 | 16.8 |
| 1979 | 13.5 | 2003 | 16.6 |
| 1980 | 10.9 | 2004 | 16.8 |
| 1981 | 10.2 | 2005 | 16.9 |
| 1982 | 10.0 | 2006 | 16.5 |
| 1983 | 11.7 | 2007 | 16.0 |
| 1984 | 13.6 | 2008 | 13.2 |
| 1985 | 14.7 | 2009 | 10.3 |
| 1986 | 16.0 | 2010 | 11.6 |
| 1987 | 14.8 | 2011 | 12.7 |
| 1988 | 15.4 | 2012 | 14.4 |
| 1989 | 14.4 | 2013 | 15.5 |
| 1990 | 13.9 | 2014 | 16.4 |
| 1991 | 12.3 | 2015 | 17.4 |
| 1992 | 12.9 | 2016 | 17.5 |
| 1993 | 13.9 | ||
Source: Ward's Automotive | |||