Worldwide Car Sales by Country (All Years)

Total Worldwide Passenger Cars Sales

According to the OICA, the total passenger car sales globally in 2022 was 57.5 million units, a decrease of 1.9% from 2021. China is the largest car market in the world, accounting for over 23.6 million units sold in 2022. Japan and India are the second and third largest car markets in the world, with sales of 5.9 million and 3.3 million units respectively.

The decline in car sales globally is due to a number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, chip shortages, and rising inflation. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and led to production delays, while chip shortages have also affected production. Rising inflation has made cars more expensive, which has also dampened demand.

Despite the decline in car sales, there are some positive trends in the global passenger car market. The market share of electric cars has increased significantly in recent years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. In 2022, electric cars accounted for 10% of new car sales globally, up from 5% in 2019. The global passenger car market is expected to recover in the coming years, but it is unlikely to return to the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is expected to grow at a slower pace than in previous years, and the shift to electric cars is expected to continue.

The Top 10 Global Markets for Passenger Cars

Here are the top 5 countries in terms of passenger car sales in 2022:

1. China
2. India
3. Japan
4. USA
5. Germany
6. UK
7. Brazil
8. France
9. South Korea

Global Automotive Market Trends

Across various parts of the world, there was a clear shift from sedans and hatchbacks to SUVs and crossovers. These vehicles combined the benefits of higher driving positions, versatility, and improved cargo space, making them popular choices for consumers.

Electrification emerged as a significant trend. With countries setting emission targets and incentivizing electric vehicles (EVs), there was a surge in EV development and sales. Notable models like the Tesla Model 3 played a role in bringing EVs to mainstream attention. Particularly in Europe, diesel cars faced a decline in popularity due to environmental concerns and the Dieselgate scandal. Many cities began to consider or implement bans on older diesel vehicles to combat air pollution.

Modern cars transformed into connected devices with advancements in infotainment systems, smartphone integrations (e.g., Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), and onboard Wi-Fi. Technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot detection became more common, even in non-luxury vehicles. While fully autonomous cars were not yet widespread by 2021, significant investments were made in this area, with several automakers and tech companies testing self-driving technologies.

\Global events, including trade tensions, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted the automotive sector in terms of supply chain disruptions, demand fluctuations, and shifts in consumer behavior. Stricter emission standards were set in many regions, pushing automakers to invest in cleaner technologies, hybrid models, and full-electric vehicles. Some regions, like Australia, saw the end of local car manufacturing due to economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences, and competition from imported models.

While traditional markets like the U.S., Europe, and Japan remained significant, there was a clear rise in demand from emerging markets, particularly China, which emerged as a massive player in the automotive scene. Beyond just EVs, there was a broader industry push towards sustainability. This included efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes and the integration of recycled or eco-friendly materials in car designs.

Global Passenger Car Sales

Charts & Trends

Global Passenger Car Sales by Country