How many independent car dealers are there in the US?
According to the latest industry data, there are approximately 16,500 independent car dealers operating in the United States as of 2025. These independent dealerships play a significant role in the country's automotive retail landscape, providing consumers with a diverse range of vehicle options and personalized sales experiences.
Understanding the Independent Car Dealer Landscape
Independent car dealers are businesses that are not affiliated with a specific automobile manufacturer or brand. They typically purchase vehicles from wholesale auctions, other dealers, or directly from consumers, and then resell them to the public. These dealerships offer a wide variety of makes and models, often catering to niche markets or providing more affordable options for buyers.
The number of independent car dealers in the US has remained relatively stable in recent years, with a slight decline due to factors such as industry consolidation and the rise of online car-buying platforms. However, these dealerships continue to play a vital role in the automotive retail ecosystem, providing competition and choice for consumers.
Key Factors Influencing the Independent Car Dealer Market
- Economic Conditions: The overall health of the economy, consumer confidence, and disposable income levels can significantly impact the demand for used vehicles and the viability of independent car dealerships.
- Technological Advancements: The increasing adoption of online car-buying platforms and digital retailing tools has disrupted the traditional dealership model, requiring independent dealers to adapt their sales and marketing strategies.
- Regulatory Environment: Changes in laws and regulations, such as those related to vehicle emissions, financing, and consumer protection, can affect the operating environment for independent car dealers.
- Competition from Franchise Dealerships: Larger, franchise-affiliated dealerships often have access to more resources, inventory, and manufacturer incentives, which can make it challenging for independent dealers to compete on price and selection.
Despite these challenges, many independent car dealers have found success by focusing on personalized customer service, niche market specialization, and leveraging digital tools to reach and engage with potential buyers.
Are car dealerships independently owned?
Most dealerships are independently or family-owned franchises of an automotive manufacturer, such as Ford Motor Company or General Motors. In addition to retail services, dealerships provide maintenance services, repair services, and financing.
Who owns the most private cars in the world?
The car collection of the Sultan of Brunei is the largest private car collection in the world, consisting of approximately 7,000 cars, which have an estimated combined value over US$5 billion.
How much do independent car dealers make?
Do you get a good deal as a Car Dealership Owner ?
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| California | $111,413 | $53.56 |
| Minnesota | $110,567 | $53.16 |
| Rhode Island | $110,555 | $53.15 |
| New Hampshire | $109,788 | $52.78 |
What percentage of car sales are private?
While roughly 45% of used vehicle sales are private party—neighbor to neighbor deals—the growing majority are retail sales closed at dealerships.
How many independent dealers are there in the US?
40,000 independent used car dealerships and 18,251 new car dealerships in the United States.
How many Americans own their own car?
Most U.S. households have a car available
Most U.S. households (92%) have at least one vehicle available for personal use, according to ACS estimates from 2023. Nationally, 8% of households don't have a vehicle, a third have one car available and 36% have two cars. Another 22% of households have three or more vehicles.
How much do private car dealers make?
How Much Do Car Dealership Owner Jobs Pay per Year? $93,500 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $129,500 is the 75th percentile.
How many privately owned cars are there in the US?
In 2022, there were 283,400,986 registered vehicles in the United States — 278,870,463 private and commercial vehicles, and 4,530,523 publicly owned vehicles. According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau, 91.7% of U.S. households had at least one automobile, and over 21% own three or more vehicles.
How many primary dealers are there in the US?
As of June 30, 2022, the New York Fed identifies the following 24 primary dealers: ASL Capital Markets Inc. Bank of Montreal, Chicago Branch. Bank of Nova Scotia, New York Agency.
How many independent auto dealers are there in the US?
40,000 independent used car dealerships and 18,251 new car dealerships in the United States.
