Related: The State of Remarketing in 2019
NADA Predicts 1.2% Decline in 2020 New Car Sales
Analysts found that, as in 2018, consumers continued to abandon car segments in 2019. Light trucks are on track to account for more than 70% of overall new-car sales for 2019, while cars will account for less than 30% of new-car sales.

NADA analysts predict the increasing fuel efficiency of light-duty pickups and CUVs such as the BMW X4 will continue to push more consumers away from car segments.
Photo courtesy of BMW Group.
The National Automobile Dealers Association released its annual new-vehicle sales forecast for 2020, predicting U.S. dealers will move fewer than 17 million units for the first time since 2014.
Analysts found that, as in 2018, consumers continued to abandon car segments in 2019. Light trucks are on track to account for more than 70% of overall new-car sales for 2019, while cars will account for less than 30% of new-car sales.
“We expect new light-vehicles sales will come in at 16.8 million units for 2020, roughly a 1.2% drop from 2019 sales volume,” said NADA senior economist Patrick Manzi. “As for 2019, it appears new vehicle sales will best the expectations of most in the industry by topping 17 million units for the fifth straight year.”
By the end of 2020, NADA projects that three of every four new vehicles sold will be light trucks, a significant increase from a decade ago when the new-vehicle sales mix was 48% light trucks and 52% cars.
“Consumers like the added practicality and ride height afforded by light trucks. And crossovers, which account for more than 40% of the total new vehicle market, continue to increase in fuel efficiency each year — offering fuel economy close to their sedan counterparts. In the absence of a significant spike in gasoline prices for a sustained period of time, we expect this shift in preference as permanent,” Manzi added.
This story originally appeared on Auto Dealer Today, another Bobit Business Media publication.
Originally posted on Vehicle Remarketing
More Vehicle Research

Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Stellantis Launches Pro One in North America
Stellantis has launched Stellantis Pro One in North America, unifying its commercial vehicle operations under a global business unit and outlining plans for new vans, pickups, and fleet-focused services.
Read More →
The Future of Fleet is Closer Than You Think | AF News Recap
Cybersecurity threats, autonomous vehicle strategies, and hands-on crash testing experiences are all making headlines this week. Here's a quick look at the trends shaping the future of fleet.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →
Stellantis Pro One Unveils 2030 Strategy: 11 New Models, Autonomous Concept, and Uptime-as-a-Service
The commercial vehicle division sets ambitious targets, including 30% volume growth and a push toward 100% vehicle uptime through a new ecosystem services platform.
Read More →
Ford Pro Expands 5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty to Additional Commercial Vehicles
Beginning with the 2027 model year, Ford Pro will extend its 5-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty to a broader range of commercial vehicles, including several SUVs, pickups, and EVs purchased by eligible fleet customers.
Read More →
Why Fleet Management Looks Different in 2026 | AF News Recap
Here’s how rebranding, data strategy, and decades of industry evolution are reshaping fleet leadership.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →Are You Tracking Your Fleet's True Total Cost of Ownership?
Bobit Business Media surveyed 190 fleet professionals and found that while most fleets are tracking costs, fragmented systems and data gaps are keeping true TCO visibility out of reach. With rising pressure to control spend in an increasingly volatile environment, the gap between what fleets think they know and what the data actually shows is wider than you might expect. See how your peers are managing costs today and where the industry still has room to improve.
Read More →