Driving the U.S. Economy

The greater automobile industry extends well beyond the iconic names of auto companies familiar to us all. Auto manufacturing depends on thousands of companies supplying parts, components, and materials, as well as a vast retail and vehicle maintenance network of dealers. No other industry in America has such an expansive reach to every state, delivering economic benefits and creating jobs in so many different sectors.

Auto Employment

10.3 Million Jobs

A robust auto manufacturing sector is vital to a healthy U.S. economy. Autos drive America forward by supporting a total of 10.3 million American jobs, or about 8 percent of private-sector employment.

$650 Billion in Paychecks

The direct, indirect, and induced jobs supported by the auto industry lead to $650 billion in paychecks for millions of workers across the county.

11: The multiplier effect

Each job for an auto manufacturer in the United States creates nearly 11 other positions in industries across the economy.

Facts about Auto Sales

U.S. sales remained high despite COVID-19 in 2020 with nearly 14 million units sold.

Market Trends

Light Truck Popularity Continues Fueling Sales.

Light trucks (SUVs, CUVs, vans, pickups) continue to be popular. In 2020 light truck market share increased another 4.3 percent to 76.4 percent – breaking last year's record to be the highest in history. The upward trend in the popularity of light trucks over cars has been steady since 2013, when only 1.2 percent of market share separated the two segments; by the end of 2019, the divide has grown to 44 percent.

Fueling the Economy

Auto manufacturing drives $1.1 trillion into the economy each year through the sales and servicing of autos and flows through the economy, from revenue to parts suppliers to paychecks for assembly plant workers, from income for auto-related small business to revenue for government.

Tax Revenue

More than $272 billion annually is contributed in the form of federal, state, and local tax revenues. This includes more than $70 billion in income taxes and $10 billion in corporate profits taxes.

Manufacturing Presence

Auto production remains the country's largest manufacturing sector, with 14 automakers operating 50 light vehicle assembly plants across 14 states.

15

States

55

Assembly Plants

19

Manufacturers

15