Which Nation Tops the List for Vehicle Ownership Per Capita? The Answer Might Surprise You

by TTAC Staff

Published: February 28th, 2024

Photo credit: Richard Semik / Shutterstock.com

In 2020, the United States reported a total of 289 million vehicles in operation, making up approximately 18 percent of the global count. This marked a significant increase, more than doubling the number since the 1960s. When exploring car ownership rates on a global scale, it's crucial to understand the variances in ownership, growth trends, and the rising influence of the global middle class on these dynamics.

Worldwide Rankings in Vehicle Ownership

The United States follows with a considerable 860 vehicles per 1,000 people, reflecting a robust vehicle market. Similarly for North America, Canada follows the States with 707 vehicles per 1,000 people. Europe presents a mixed scenario, with Poland and Italy notable for their high vehicle per capita rates. Poland, with 761 vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants, shows substantial vehicle ownership yet has a minimal adoption of electric vehicles. Italy stands with 756 vehicles per 1,000 people just slightly less than Poland. In stark contrast, Norway, with 635 vehicles per 1,000 people, has embraced electric vehicles more extensively, with a significant proportion of its vehicle market being electric.

In the top spot however is New Zealand with 869 vehicle per 1,000 people where the majority of their cars are imported from Japan.

The Surge in Global Vehicle Ownership

The expansion of the global middle class has propelled rapid growth in vehicle ownership in several countries. Vietnam, for instance, has experienced a dramatic increase in motorization, with an annual growth rate of 17 percent between 2015 and 2020. China and India also saw significant rises, highlighting a global trend towards increased vehicle ownership.

Electric Vehicles: The Future of Mobility

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction worldwide, with China leading the charge. The country houses more than half of the global EV fleet, a testament to its strategic position near essential raw materials for EV batteries and its robust battery production capabilities. Government policies have played a pivotal role in this sector, with China and Norway implementing strategies to overcome operational challenges and promote EV adoption. Norway, in particular, is on a path to eliminate sales of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2025, showcasing the country's commitment to sustainable mobility.

Concluding Thoughts

As vehicle ownership continues to evolve, the global landscape reveals a complex interplay between traditional vehicles and the emerging EV market. Countries like New Zealand and the U.S. demonstrate high vehicle per capita rates, while nations such as Vietnam and China show rapid growth, driven by economic expansion and policy initiatives. The shift towards electric vehicles, led by China and Norway, underscores a global trend towards more sustainable forms of transportation.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

TTAC Staff

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John Clyne I own a 1997 GMC Suburban that I bought second hand. It was never smoked in but had lost the new car smell when I got it four years after it was sold new. I own a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche & that still has the new car smell. I like the smell. I could never afford a new car until the Avalanche. It might be my last new car? Why do they build cars with fire retardant materials in them. Smoking rates are falling & if someone continues to smoke in this day & age is a fool especially with all the information out there.
Theflyersfan Non-performance models, probably the Civic based on the fact the interior feels and looks better in the Honda. Both of them are going to drive like adequate appliances with small engines and CVTs and get decent mileage, so this is based on where my butt will rest and things my hands and fingers will touch.Toyota doesn't have an answer to the Civic Si so the Honda wins by default.CTR vs GR Corolla. One dealer by me is still tacking on $10,000 markups for the CTR and good luck with the GR Corolla and the "allocation" system. There's that one dealer in Missouri that I pasted their ad a while back wanting $125,000 for a mid-level GR. Nope. But cars.com is still showing markups. Both of these cars will have little depreciation for a while, so the markups equal instant loss. It looks like Cincinnati-area dealers are done with CTR markups. So this is a tough choice. I don't like the Corolla interior. It looks and feels inexpensive. I'm glad Honda toned down the exterior but the excessive wing still looks immature for such an expensive car that 20-somethings likely cannot afford. FWD vs AWD. With price being an object, and long-term maintenance a thing, I'd go with the Honda with a side eye at the Golf R as a mature choice. All with stick shifts.
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