US auto sales in November 2020
US light-vehicle sales ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 15.83 million in November 2020, down 0.28 million (1.8%) from October 2020, and down 7.4% from November 2019. About 1.20 million new cars and light trucks were sold during the month (actual units, not seasonally adjusted), 14.6% fewer than in November 2019. Through November, 12.87 million have been sold in 2020, down 16.7% from the same months of 2019. Light trucks — pickups, SUVs, crossovers and vans — made up 76.5% of light-vehicle sales, compared with 74.2% a year earlier.
Sales breakdown
| November 2020 | Value | A year earlier | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light vehicles, SAAR | 15.83M | 17.10M | -7.4% |
| · Cars (autos), SAAR | 3.72M | — | -15.5% |
| · Light trucks, SAAR | 12.11M | — | -4.6% |
| Heavy trucks, SAAR | 468K | 452K | +3.5% |
| Units sold in the month | 1.20M | 1.40M | -14.6% |
| Units sold, year to date | 12.87M | 15.45M | -16.7% |
| US assemblies, cars & light trucks, SAAR | 10.36M | 10.91M | -5.1% |
| Dealer & parts-store sales (month) | $111.5B | — | +4.2% |
SAAR = seasonally adjusted annual rate. Heavy trucks = total vehicle sales minus light vehicles (BEA's definition). Units sold are actual sales in the month, not seasonally adjusted.
Cars vs light trucks
Prices
| CPI, Nov 2020 | 12-mo | 1-mo |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicles | +1.6% | +0.1% |
| Used cars & trucks | +10.9% | -1.3% |
| Maintenance & repair | +3.6% | +0.4% |
Consumer price index for all urban consumers (BLS), not seasonally adjusted; red = costs rising for buyers. The CPI for a month is released mid-way through the next month, so it can trail the sales data.
Over the 12 months to November 2020, according to the consumer price index, new-vehicle prices rose 1.6%, used-car and truck prices rose 10.9% and maintenance and repair costs rose 3.6%.
Financing & inventories
Average finance rate on new-car loans at commercial banks (Federal Reserve G.19), surveyed in the middle month of each quarter; latest 2020-11.
Frequently asked questions
What was the US auto sales SAAR in November 2020?
US light-vehicle sales ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 15.83 million in November 2020, down 0.28 million (1.8%) from October 2020, and down 7.4% from November 2019. About 1.20 million new cars and light trucks were sold during the month (actual units, not seasonally adjusted), 14.6% fewer than in November 2019.
How many cars were sold in November 2020?
About 1.20 million new cars and light trucks were sold during the month (actual units, not seasonally adjusted), 14.6% fewer than in November 2019.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (vehicle unit sales), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (consumer prices), Federal Reserve Board (G.19 auto loan rates, G.17 assemblies), U.S. Census Bureau (dealer sales), all via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Figures are revised by the agencies; this page shows the latest published values. Data checked Nov 6, 5:41 PM ET. Not investment advice.