Analysis of 2020 H1 US New Vehicle Registration Data

Although 2020 began with expectations for a relatively normal year of vehicle sales, although some contraction of the US market, the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting the US light-vehicle market in March, created a massive volume drop in April and overall had a significant impact on registrations in the first half of 2020. Over the first six months of the year, US registrations declined 22.8 percent year on year (y/y). Barring the introduction of further shutdowns, either regional or national, the registration figures for April are expected to represent the lowest point of 2020, with the declines from May through July becoming progressively smaller. IHS Markit has reviewed the first-half registration data for early signals of changes in consumer behavior.

Among the highlights:

• Pick-up truck segments most resilient
• CUVs continue to gain market share
• Car segments: Share decline rolls on
• Electric vehicles continued to gain market share
• Luxury continues to see share improve

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