The automotive retailing industry continues to thrive — encompassing everything related to selling and distributing vehicles to consumers and businesses. Whether it’s browsing cars online, signing a contract at the dealership, or buying a new part, automotive retailing touches every stage of the ownership journey.
Now that 2025 is coming to a close, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) released its complete 2024
NADA Data report, a snapshot of the previous year’s biggest milestones in automotive retailing. The numbers reveal an industry that continues to grow, innovate, and adapt.
Before we dive into the details, a quick reminder: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a light-duty vehicle as “any vehicle with a total weight equal to or less than 4.25 tons.” The figures below focus on cars, pickup trucks, and minivans — not larger vehicles.
In 2024:
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The nation’s 16,957 franchised dealers sold a combined 15.9 million new cars.
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Total car sales topped $1.2 trillion.
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The average new car dealership brought in $73.3 million in total sales.
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90% of American households own at least one car, and 55% of these cars were purchased at a dealership.
