Although used-car sales were down slightly in 2023 (35.9 million) from 2022 (36.2 million), the year ended with used-car sales surpassing the initial forecast. Looking into 2024, predictions are set for around 36.2 million overall used-car sales, which is an increase in sales from 2023, despite lingering supply challenges.
In a bid to attract more customers, Ford is ramping up production of its three-year-old F-150 hybrid while simultaneously slashing its price by $1,900. This move brings the hybrid model in line with its full-gasoline counterpart and makes it nearly 10% more affordable than the all-electric version introduced last year. With ambitious plans to quadruple hybrid sales over the next five years and incorporate the technology across its entire lineup, Ford is demonstrating its commitment to meeting customer demands.
As we dive into the second half of 2023, let's take a look at how vehicle sales and trends shaped up in the first half. Consumer preferences in the automotive industry have undergone a significant transformation towards used vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs). Factors such as economic uncertainties, technological advancements, and growing environmental concerns have all contributed to reshaping the overall landscape of the automotive market.
As we approach mid-year 2023, the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to be a hot topic in the automotive industry. Prices of EVs are beginning to decrease, becoming more in line with the cost of traditional gas-powered vehicles. As technology continues to improve and production costs decrease, we can expect to see more affordable EVs in the future. This is already taking shape as we see many OEMs increasing their EV market share since January.
In general, the used car industry has been experiencing a period of growth and change over the past several years. Some of the key trends that have taken place recently in the industry include shortage of inventory, rising prices, and growth of electric vehicles. Even with these obstacles, used vehicle sales have continued to thrive.
Electric vehicles continue to emerge as the way of the future. Learn how California incentivizes residents to purchase electric cars through the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.
Demand for cars is on the upswing after the latest pandemic wave has subsided. With the economy kicking into gear again, buyers are excited to make purchases, which signals a shift toward a more optimistic outlook than in the last two years. At the same time, gas prices have skyrocketed due to geopolitical events, and that will hurt consumers and hamper potential buyers. Yet, electric vehicles are gaining popularity and remain a staple of the industry. Some trends like gas prices ebb and flow, but there are permanent shifts in the automotive industry that aren’t going away — and car dealers need to plan accordingly to keep up with them.
Where the market environment stands now
The momentum behind EVs is undeniably growing. Globally, the sale of electric vehicles more than doubled in 2021, with some countries far ahead of that trend. Norway is at the top of the list, with 81 EVs per every 1,000 residents. In the UK, which comes in 6th, the percentage of purchased EVs increased by 76% between 2020 and 2021. China’s EV sales tripled between 2020 and 2021. The United States is not finding EV sales to be increasing quite as swiftly as in Europe or China, but sales are strong — and growing. The percentage of plug-in vehicles (both hybrid and electric) purchased in the US increased by 68.9% between February 2021 and February 2022. It’s tempting to believe that the car buyers of the world will collectively and altruistically decide to buy EVs to limit carbon emissions, but there are actually many factors at play as consumers decide whether or not to embrace electric vehicles.