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.
DRIVING THE U.S. ECONOMY
Read The Latest Economic Impact Report: The Driving Force
DRIVING FORCE breaks down the ways the auto industry supports the American economy and strengthens communities in all 50 states. Cutting-edge facilities that assemble millions of cars and trucks. Major transportation infrastructure to export completed products to points across the country and around the world.
Real people. Real investment. Building the cleanest, safest, smartest vehicles ever and redefining personal transportation for the next generation and beyond.
Auto Employment
9.7 Million Jobs
A robust auto manufacturing sector is vital to a healthy U.S. economy. Autos drive America forward by supporting a total of 9.7 million American jobs, or about 5 percent of private-sector employment.
$702 Billion in Paychecks
The direct, indirect, and induced jobs supported by the auto industry lead to $702 billion in paychecks for millions of workers across the county.
11.5: The multiplier effect
Each job for an auto manufacturer in the United States creates nearly 10.5 other positions in industries across the economy.
Facts About Auto Sales
U.S. sales remain constrained in the aftermath of COVID-19 with supply chain disruptions limiting inventory and sales.
Sales include retail and fleet only.
Market Trends
Light Truck Popularity Continues Fueling Sales.
Light trucks (SUVs, CUVs, vans, pickups) continue to be popular. In 2022 light truck market share increased another 3.4 percent to 79.3 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 2022, the divide has grown to 59 percent.
Fueling the Economy
Auto manufacturing drives more than $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
Nearly $280 billion annually is contributed in the form of federal, state, and local tax revenues. This includes more than $69 billion in federal income taxes and $79 billion in state revenue.
Manufacturing Presence
Auto production remains the country's largest manufacturing sector, with 20 automakers operating 55 light vehicle assembly plants across 15 states.
15
States
55
Assembly Plants
20
Manufacturers
Auto Exports Fuel Economic Growth in the U.S.
Exports of $97 Billion in 2022
The American-based auto industry is a vibrant player in today’s global economy. More countries are now importing auto-related products from the United States. Exports of cars and parts amounting to nearly $97 billion were shipped from U.S. ports in 2022 – 16 percent more than America exported just 15 years ago.
Today, the U.S. exports vehicles or parts to 206 Countries around the world.
2021 U.S. Automotive & Parts Exports Around the Globe
