North American Passenger Car Sales for 2009
In 2009, the North American car sales continued to be heavily impacted by the global financial crisis and the economic recession that followed. The total number of vehicles sold in North America in 2009 was approximately 10.4 million. This figure includes both cars and light trucks. Total passenger car sales came in at 6.7 million cars, with the United States making up almost all of it at 5.4 million units.
The effects of the global financial crisis persisted throughout 2009, leading to a prolonged economic recession. Consumer confidence remained low, unemployment rates were high, and credit conditions remained tight. These factors continued to negatively impact car sales. Domestic manufacturers, including General Motors (GM), Ford, and Chrysler, continued to face significant challenges in 2009. GM and Chrysler underwent bankruptcy reorganizations with government assistance, resulting in the closure of some brands and dealerships. These difficulties led to further declines in market share for domestic automakers.