As of the latest data from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), there are approximately 16,740 new car dealerships operating across the United States. This figure represents franchised dealerships that sell new vehicles from major automakers, serving as the primary retail channel for new cars in the country.
While the number has remained relatively stable in recent years, it's a significant consolidation from decades past. In the 1950s, for instance, there were over 50,000 dealerships. The current landscape is characterized by larger dealership groups that often sell multiple brands under one roof. The distribution is not even, with states like California, Texas, and Florida having the highest concentration of dealerships due to their large populations and car-centric cultures.
These dealerships are a major economic force. According to NADA, the average dealership employs over 60 people and generates hundreds of millions in annual sales. The shift towards larger, more sophisticated facilities is a key trend, as is the industry's adaptation to selling electric vehicles (EVs), which requires significant investment in new training and charging infrastructure.
| Year | Approximate Number of Franchised New-Car Dealerships in the U.S. | Key Influencing Factor |
|---|
| 1950 | > 50,000 | Proliferation of automakers; local, single-point sales. |
| 1980 | ~ 25,000 | Rise of dealership groups; early consolidation. |
| 2000 | ~ 22,000 | Further consolidation and brand streamlining. |
| 2010 | ~ 18,000 | Impact of the Great Recession and auto industry crisis. |
| 2024 | ~ 16,740 | Current stable state; growth of large dealer groups. |
The future will likely see this number hold steady or slightly decline as the industry navigates the transition to electric vehicles and evolving consumer buying habits, including online sales platforms that still ultimately rely on the local dealership for delivery and service.
