The number of cars a dealer sells per month varies dramatically, but a reasonable average for a well-performing franchise dealership in the U.S. is between 80 and 150 new vehicles. However, this figure is a broad estimate. The actual number is heavily influenced by the dealership's size, brand, location, and current market conditions. High-volume stores in major metropolitan areas can easily exceed 300 units monthly, while smaller rural dealers might sell 30 or fewer.
Several key factors determine a dealership's monthly sales volume:
- Dealership Size and Brand: A large Toyota or Ford store, representing high-volume brands, will naturally sell more than a boutique store selling luxury brands like Porsche or Genesis. The manufacturer's allocation and inventory supply are critical.
- Geographic Location: Dealers in high-population, affluent areas with strong economic activity typically see higher foot traffic and sales than those in smaller towns.
- Market Conditions: Factors like interest rates, inventory shortages (as seen during the semiconductor chip crisis), and consumer confidence directly impact sales. A hot-selling new model can also spike a dealer's numbers temporarily.
- Pre-Owned Sales: This analysis often focuses on new cars, but a dealership's used car department can contribute significantly to the total unit count, sometimes matching or even exceeding new car sales.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) reports annual data that provides context for these monthly averages. The following table illustrates the wide range of sales performance based on 2023 data.
| Dealership Type / Performance Tier | Estimated Annual New Vehicle Sales | Estimated Monthly Average (New Vehicles) |
|---|
| Low-Volume / Rural Dealer | 200 - 400 units | 17 - 33 units |
| Average Franchise Dealer | 1,000 - 1,800 units | 83 - 150 units |
| High-Volume / "Megadealer" | 3,000+ units | 250+ units |
| Top 10% of Dealers (NADA) | 2,500+ units | 208+ units |
Ultimately, while the 80-150 unit range is a common benchmark, it's more accurate to view dealership sales on a spectrum. The health of a dealership is measured not just by unit sales but by overall profitability, which includes revenue from financing, parts, and service.
