Sales

GRAPHIC: Declining cars, rising light trucks in the United States

July 02, 2018 05:00 AM

Cars as percentage of U.S. sales

Automakers are on pace to sell about 5.3 million cars this year, which would be the fewest since 1958. The chart below illustrates the decline of U.S. car sales per automaker, as a percentage of their total U.S. sales.

 

Car sales on pace to hit 60-year low

Toyota sees chance as sedan rivals drop out

Just five years ago, U.S. vehicle sales were evenly split: 50 percent cars and 50 percent light trucks. Now, trucks outsell cars by a ratio of more than 2-to-1, and there's no sign of a car rebound anytime soon.

 

Light-truck sales overwhelming car sales

In 1972 light-truck sales were almost a rounding error when compared with car sales in the United States. In 1986, U.S. car sales more than doubled light-truck sales. But since then, car sales have followed a mostly downward trajectory, while light-truck sales have steadily climbed.

 

GM sees opportunity in surrendered territory

GM sees opportunity in surrendered territory

General Motors' car sales are falling faster than those of its domestic rivals, but the company insists it won't join Ford Motor Co. and FCA US in abandoning most sedans.

 

Shrinking U.S. midsize sedan market

The midsize sedan has long delivered high volumes. But the popularity of trucks has eaten into their sales.

Toyota Camry

 

Toyota sees chance as sedan rivals drop out

Toyota sees chance as sedan rivals drop out

Toyota is treating plummeting U.S. car sales as an opportunity, not as a worrisome trend threatening one of its biggest strengths.

 

Honda Accord

 

Nissan Altima

 

Ford Fusion

 

For Ford, Fusion was right car at wrong time

Toyota sees chance as sedan rivals drop out

In 2012, it finally looked like Ford had an answer to the Japanese automakers' dominance of the segment. Now it's headed for the scrap heap.

Chevy Malibu

 

Hyundai Sonata

 

Kia Optima

 

VW Passat

 

Subaru Legacy

 

Mazda 6

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