U.S. Auto Market Share by Manufacturer
| Mfgr | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2016 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GM | 39 | 44 | 35 | 28 | 19 | 17 | 19 |
| Ford | 28 | 20 | 24 | 23 | 16 | 15 | 15 |
| Toyota | 2 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 15 | 14 | 16 |
| FCA | 15 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 9 | 13 | 12 |
| Honda | 3 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 9 | |
| Nissan | 2 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
| Hyundai | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 4 | ||
| Kia | 1 | 3 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Subaru | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| Volkswagen | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Daimler | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| BMW | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |||
| Mazda | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
| Mitsubishi | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||
| Volvo | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Porsche Audi | 2 | ||||||
| Tesla | 2 | ||||||
| 1% Offerings Count | 6 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 16 |
| Top 4 % Share | 88 | 79 | 79 | 74 | 60 | 59 | 62 |
2020 U.S. Auto Sales Figures by Brand | GCBC (goodcarbadcar.net)
Top Vehicle Manufacturers in the US Market, 1961-2016 – knoema.com
In 1970, GM owned a 39% market share in the US with its 6 brands. It now sells less than one-half at 19%. Ford sold 28% and now sells about one-half as much at 15%. Chrysler-Lincoln-Mercury-Jeep has done better, selling 12% in 2020 versus 15% in 1970.
In 1970 there were only 6 firms with 1% or greater market share. Today, there are 16 firms.
In 1970, the top 4 cornered the market with 88% market share. That has declined to 62%.
In the last 50 years, 11 new firms have earned 1% or greater market share. Consumer options are 3 times as great as in 1970!
A similar change has taken place for most manufactured goods. Legacy high cost American and European manufacturers have lost market share. Asian manufacturers have gained significantly (Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, SE Asia, India). Latin American and African manufacturers have recently started to provide a fourth option.
For consumers, this is great news. More choices. More competitors. Lower prices. Improved products.
Compare the 2021 Honda Accord LX sedan with the 1970 Chevy Impala option to get a sense of the improved features available on a standard “family sedan” today versus 50 years ago.
Good News 