U.S. light vehicle sales by manufacturer 2023

Between January and December 2023, General Motors was the leading automotive manufacturer based on sales in the United States. The Detroit company sold nearly 2.6 million passenger cars and light trucks in the U.S., which was nearly 311,800 more vehicles compared with the same time period one year earlier. Most other manufacturers also recorded an increase in sales in 2023 as they rebounded from the impact of the semiconductor shortage. Tesla, in contrast, reported a year-over-year decrease in sales volume, particularly as new electric vehicle players are growing their sales. 

Electric sales continue growth

In 2023, electric vehicles have fared better than conventional vehicles so far. Tesla’s vehicle sales are indicative of this trend on a global level, despite a slight decrease in U.S. sales. Tesla’s worldwide deliveries broke records in 2023. 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. Newcomers such as the Lucid Group and Karma Automotive are also gaining speed, with the Lucid Air Dream Edition Range being the electric vehicle from Model Year 2022 with the longest range.

Vehicle market trends stabilize

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 14.4 percent between 2019 and 2020. Though 2023 recorded an uptick in light vehicle sales, this volume remained below pre-pandemic levels. During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, transport modes that minimize contact with other people have become more attractive. U.S. vehicle sales have been relatively stable across 2022, and had started to grow in 2023.