MARKET RESEARCH SNAPSHOT
Vehicles in Operation and New Light-Vehicle Sales Update
By Market Research
Share of Light Vehicle Sales in 2022
![Market Research](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chart_22.png)
13.7 Million Vehicles Sold in 2022
Around 46% of new vehicle sales in 2022 were CUV models (6.3 million units). However, pickup sales were also strong at 19% (2.6 million units).
Due to supply issues, high interest rates and component shortages, new-vehicle sales in 2022 dipped below 2021 levels at 13.7 million. This is just over a million short of 2021 levels and around 3 million below the levels seen in 2019. Consequently, it’s projected that new light-vehicle sales won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until 2025. Despite slower than expected sales, there are still a lot of light vehicles on the road today—more than 284 million cars and light trucks. CUVs continue to dominate sales and have a large presence on U.S. roads, however pickups also are strong. Despite all the disruption seen over the last year, consumers continue to spend money modifying and accessorizing their vehicles.
![Market Research](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chart_1_4.png)
New vehicle sales in 2022 finished at just over a million units short of 2021. Delays and shortages mean sales should return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025.
Vehicles Currently in Operation
![Market Research](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chart_3_copy.jpg)
There are more than 284 million light vehicles in operation today. CUVs are now the most common vehicle on the road, followed by pickups and midsize/large vehicles.
To learn more about the specialty-equipment and broader automotive industries, download the “Fall 2022 SEMA State of the Industry” report today at www.sema.org/research.