Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
This dataset tracks retail sales: auto and other motor vehicle dealers over time.
Latest Value
123630.00
Year-over-Year Change
1.75%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers measures total monthly sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, excluding gasoline stations. It is a key indicator of consumer demand and overall economic activity.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This series tracks sales at retail establishments primarily engaged in selling new and used automobiles, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and their parts and accessories. It serves as an important barometer of consumer spending and industry performance.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this indicator to assess household consumption and the health of the auto industry.
Key Facts
- Motor vehicle sales account for over 20% of total U.S. retail sales.
- This indicator has a direct impact on GDP as a major component of consumer expenditures.
- The auto industry employs over 2 million people in the United States.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This indicator tracks monthly sales at retail establishments primarily engaged in selling new and used automobiles, trucks, trailers, motorcycles, and their parts and accessories.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Motor vehicle sales are a key component of overall consumer spending and a vital indicator of economic health and industry performance.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of a sample of retail businesses.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts closely monitor this indicator to assess household consumption patterns and the overall state of the auto industry.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released monthly with a typical lag of around two weeks from the end of the reference period.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Sales: Auto and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (MRTSSM441XUSS), retrieved from FRED.