How many dealers are there in the US?
There are roughly 16,000 to 17,000 franchised new-car dealerships in the United States, and the total number of automotive dealers—including used-car lots and independent retailers—runs into the tens of thousands.
Defining what counts as a dealer
In the auto market, a "dealer" can mean several things: a franchised new-car store, a used-car lot (independent or franchised), or another retailer that sells motor vehicles and parts. Counts differ depending on whether you include only franchised new-car outlets, all used-car dealers, or the broader category of all motor-vehicle and parts dealers tracked by government statistics. This article focuses on commonly cited industry figures and notes where definitions diverge.
Franchised new-car dealers: the baseline figure
The following figures reflect franchised new-car outlets as counted by the trade association that represents U.S. auto retailers.
- NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) reports approximately 16,000 to 17,000 franchised new-car dealerships operating in the United States as of the 2023–2024 period.
These figures capture only franchised new-car stores and exclude independent used-car dealers, fleet sales outlets, and service-only operations. For context, the broader market includes many additional storefronts beyond this baseline.
Total automotive dealerships: all types
When everyone who sells or retails motor vehicles is counted—used-car dealers, independent retailers, and other non-franchised outlets—the total is higher still. Industry observers emphasize that counts vary based on methodology and what counts as a dealer.
- Industry estimates commonly place the number of used-car dealers and independent retailers in the United States in the tens of thousands (roughly 40,000 to 50,000), with the total including franchised new-car dealerships often cited as well over 50,000 and potentially higher if certain borderline operations are included.
Because definitions differ—whether a dealer includes single-location used-car lots, dealer groups with multiple locations, or service-only outlets—the exact total fluctuates. The takeaway is that franchised new-car dealers are a well-defined, smaller subset, while the broader market spans many more venues.
Summary
In short, there are about 16,000–17,000 franchised new-car dealerships in the United States, according to NADA’s latest figures. When you add used-car and independent dealers, the number of automotive dealers rises into the tens of thousands, with estimates typically ranging from about 40,000 to 50,000 for used-car and independent retailers alone. Definitions matter, and for precise counts you should consult the latest NADA data and related industry sources.
