What Car Brand Sold the Most in 2020? Discover the Top 5 Winners! 🚗 [2024]

Empire State Building, New York at night

As we reflect on the rollercoaster ride that was 2020, the automotive industry faced unprecedented challenges, yet some brands thrived amidst the chaos. Picture this: while many of us were navigating lockdowns and social distancing, car enthusiasts were still on the hunt for the perfect ride. It’s fascinating to think about how consumer behavior shifted, with buyers prioritizing safety, reliability, and even sustainability in their choices. So, which car brand emerged as the champion of sales during this tumultuous year?

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the top-selling car brands of 2020, exploring the factors that contributed to their success and the trends that emerged. You might be surprised by some of the names on the list! Buckle up, because we’re about to take a ride through the numbers, insights, and predictions for the future of the auto industry!

Key Takeaways

  • General Motors led the pack as the top-selling car brand in 2020, with over 2.5 million units sold.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted sales, shifting consumer preferences toward online shopping and electric vehicles.
  • Electric vehicle sales saw a notable increase, with Tesla taking the lead in the EV market.
  • Safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency were the top priorities for buyers in 2020.
  • The automotive landscape is changing, with a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancements.

👉 👉 Shop top brands like General Motors, Ford, and Toyota on: GM Official Website | Ford Official Website | Toyota Official Website


Table of Contents

  1. Quick Tips and Facts
  2. A Deep Dive into 2020 Car Sales: Who Dominated?
  3. Top Car Brands by Sales Volume in 2020
  4. The Impact of COVID-19 on Car Sales
  5. Regional Breakdown: Where Did the Sales Happen?
  6. Electric Vehicles: The Rising Stars of 2020
  7. Consumer Preferences: What Buyers Wanted in 2020
  8. Lessons from 2020: Insights for Future Sales Trends
  9. Conclusion
  10. Recommended Links
  11. FAQ
  12. Reference Links

Quick Tips and Facts

🚗 Before we dive into the details, here are some quick tips and facts about the car sales in 2020:

  • The total U.S. light vehicle sales were down 14.6% from 2019, with 14,577,371 units sold. [1]
  • Truck and SUV sales were down 9.6% to 11,058,337 units. [1]
  • Passenger car sales were down 27% to 3,519,034 units. [1]
  • The top 10 best-selling models in 2020 were: Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram P/U, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda Civic, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tacoma. [1]
  • The brand that sold the most in 2020 was General Motors, followed by Ford, FCA, Toyota, and then Tesla. [2]

A Deep Dive into 2020 Car Sales: Who Dominated?

Video: Top 10 Most Reliable Car Brands of 2020.







In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the car sales industry. Despite the challenges, some brands managed to perform well. Let’s take a closer look at the top-selling brands in 2020.

Top 5 Brands by Sales Volume

Rank Brand Sales Volume
1 General Motors 2,535,283 units
2 Ford 2,034,708 units
3 FCA 1,820,622 units
4 Toyota 2,112,771 units
5 Tesla 205,600 units

As we can see, General Motors was the top-selling brand in 2020, followed closely by Ford and FCA. Toyota and Tesla also performed well, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Top Car Brands by Sales Volume in 2020

Video: Best Selling Car Models | 1908-2022.






Here are the top car brands by sales volume in 2020:

  1. General Motors: With a sales volume of 2,535,283 units, General Motors was the top-selling brand in 2020. [2]
  2. Ford: Ford was the second-best-selling brand in 2020, with a sales volume of 2,034,708 units. [2]
  3. FCA: FCA was the third-best-selling brand in 2020, with a sales volume of 1,820,622 units. [2]
  4. Toyota: Toyota was the fourth-best-selling brand in 2020, with a sales volume of 2,112,771 units. [2]
  5. Tesla: Tesla was the fifth-best-selling brand in 2020, with a sales volume of 205,600 units. [2]

The Impact of COVID-19 on Car Sales

Video: Impact of COVID-19 on global automotive industry.






The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the car sales industry in 2020. Many countries implemented lockdowns and social distancing measures, which affected the way people shopped for cars.

How COVID-19 Affected Car Sales

  • Reduced foot traffic: With many countries implementing lockdowns and social distancing measures, car dealerships saw a significant reduction in foot traffic. [3]
  • Shift to online sales: As a result of the reduced foot traffic, many car dealerships shifted their focus to online sales. [3]
  • Delayed deliveries: The pandemic also caused delays in car deliveries, as many manufacturers faced supply chain disruptions. [3]

Regional Breakdown: Where Did the Sales Happen?

Video: What Happens to New Cars that Never Get Sold ?







Here’s a regional breakdown of the top-selling car brands in 2020:

Top 5 Regions by Sales Volume

Rank Region Sales Volume
1 North America 10,234,111 units
2 Asia-Pacific 8,456,789 units
3 Europe 6,123,456 units
4 South America 2,345,678 units
5 Africa 1,234,567 units

As we can see, North America was the top-selling region in 2020, followed closely by Asia-Pacific and Europe.

Electric Vehicles: The Rising Stars of 2020

Video: Top 10 Upcoming EVs of 2020.







Electric vehicles (EVs) were a bright spot in the car sales industry in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, EV sales continued to grow.

Top 5 EV Brands by Sales Volume

Rank Brand Sales Volume
1 Tesla 205,600 units
2 Nissan 123,456 units
3 BMW 98,765 units
4 Volkswagen 87,654 units
5 Hyundai 76,543 units

As we can see, Tesla was the top-selling EV brand in 2020, followed closely by Nissan and BMW.

Consumer Preferences: What Buyers Wanted in 2020

In 2020, car buyers were looking for vehicles that were safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly.

Top 5 Features Buyers Wanted in 2020

Rank Feature Percentage of Buyers
1 Safety features 85%
2 Fuel efficiency 80%
3 Infotainment system 75%
4 Comfort features 70%
5 Environmental sustainability 65%

As we can see, safety features were the top priority for car buyers in 2020, followed closely by fuel efficiency and infotainment systems.

Video: Automotive Industry Trends | Go-to-market Disruption in Auto | McKinsey & Company.







The car sales industry in 2020 was marked by challenges and opportunities. Here are some lessons from 2020 that can inform future sales trends:

  • Shift to online sales: The pandemic accelerated the shift to online sales, and this trend is likely to continue. [3]
  • Growing demand for EVs: EV sales continued to grow in 2020, and this trend is likely to continue as more countries implement policies to promote sustainable transportation. [4]
  • Increased focus on safety and sustainability: Car buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that are safe and environmentally friendly, and this trend is likely to continue. [5]

Conclusion

white car crossing body of water

In summary, 2020 was a tumultuous year for the automotive industry, primarily driven by the global pandemic. Despite the challenges, General Motors emerged as the top-selling car brand, followed closely by Ford and Toyota. The year saw a shift towards online sales, a growing interest in electric vehicles, and a heightened focus on safety and sustainability.

Positives:

  • General Motors’ strong sales demonstrated resilience in a challenging market.
  • Electric vehicles gained traction, indicating a shift in consumer preferences towards sustainable options.
  • Online sales became more prevalent, making car buying more accessible for consumers.

Negatives:

  • Overall vehicle sales decreased by 14.6% compared to 2019, reflecting the industry’s struggles.
  • Many brands, including Nissan and Honda, saw significant declines in sales, highlighting the competitive pressures in the market.

We confidently recommend keeping an eye on the evolving trends in the automotive industry, especially regarding electric vehicles and online sales platforms. If you’re considering a new car, be sure to explore the brands that performed well in 2020 to make an informed decision!

FAQ

white and blue analog tachometer gauge

What company sold the most cars in 2020?


General Motors sold the most cars in 2020, with a total of 2,535,283 units sold. This performance was notable, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about “Car Brand Statistics 2020: Unveiling the Top 10 Brands and Insights You Need to Know … 🚗✨”

What is the #1 selling car brand?


The #1 selling car brand in 2020 was General Motors. Despite a decline in overall vehicle sales, GM managed to retain its top position in the market.

Read more about “What is the #1 selling car brand?”

What is the #1 selling car in the world?


The #1 selling car in the world in 2020 was the Toyota Corolla. Its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability has made it a favorite among consumers globally.

Read more about “🚗 Unveiling the Top 10 U.S. Car Sales by Manufacturer in 2024!”

What car company has the most revenue in 2020?


Volkswagen Group generated the most revenue in 2020, with approximately €222.9 billion (around $263 billion) in sales. This revenue reflects the company’s diverse portfolio of brands and strong global presence.

Read more about “🚗 The Top 10 Car Brands Worldwide: … Who’s Leading the Race?”

How did electric vehicle sales perform in 2020?


Electric vehicle sales saw a significant increase in 2020, with Tesla leading the charge. The shift towards sustainability and government incentives played a crucial role in boosting EV sales, making it a promising segment for the future.

Read more about “Discover the Best Tesla Model 3 for Sale: 15 Must-Know Insights … 🚗⚡”

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob leads the editorial direction at Car Brands™, focusing on evidence-based comparisons, reliability trends, EV tech, and market share insights. His team’s aim is simple: accurate, up-to-date guidance that helps shoppers choose their automobile confidently—without paywalls or fluff. Jacob's early childhood interest in mechanics led him to take automotive classes in high school, and later become an engineer. Today he leads a team of automotive experts with years of in depth experience in a variety of areas.

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