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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CM Korecko Cadillacs traditionally have been opulent, brash and leaders in the field; the "Standard of the World".That said, here's how to fix the brand:[list=1][*]Forget German luxury cars ever existed.[/*][*]Get rid of the astromech droid names and bring back Seville, Deville, Eldorado, Fleetwood and Brougham.[/*][*]End the electric crap altogether and make huge, gas guzzling land yachts for the significant portion of the population that would fight for a chance to buy one.[/*][*]Stop making sports cars and make true luxury cars for those of us who don't give a damn about the environment and are willing to swim upstream to get what we really want.[/*][*]Stop messing around with technology and make well-made and luxurious interiors.[/*][*]Watch sales skyrocket as a truly different product distinguishes itself to the delight of the target market and the damnation of the Sierra Club. Hell, there is no such thing as bad publicity and the "bad guy" image would actually have a lot of appeal.[/*][/list=1]
FreedMike Not surprisingly, I have some ideas. What Cadillac needs, I think, is a statement. They don’t really have an identity. They’re trying a statement car with the Celestiq, and while that’s the right idea, it has the wrong styling and a really wrong price tag. So, here’s a first step: instead of a sedan, do a huge, fast, capable and ridiculously smooth and quiet electric touring coupe. If you want an example of what I’m thinking of, check out the magnificent Rolls-Royce Spectre. But this Cadillac coupe would be uniquely American, it’d be named “Eldorado,” and it’d be a lot cheaper than the $450,000 Spectre – call it a buck twenty-five, with a range of bespoke options for prospective buyers that would make each one somewhat unique. Make it 220 inches long, on the same platform as the Celestiq, give it retro ‘60s styling (or you could do a ‘50s or ‘70s throwback, I suppose), and at least 700 horsepower, standard. Why electric? It’s the ultimate throwback to ‘60s powertrains: effortlessly fast, smooth, and quiet, but with a ton more horsepower. It’s the perfect drivetrain for a dignified touring coupe. In fact, I’d skip any mention of environmental responsibility in this car’s marketing – sell it on how it drives, period.  How many would they sell? Not many. But the point of the exercise is to do something that will turn heads and show people what this brand can do.  Second step: give the lineup a mix of electric and gas models, and make Cadillac gas engines bespoke to the brand. If they need to use generic GM engine designs, fine – take those engines and massage them thoroughly into something special to Cadillac, with specific tuning and output. No Cadillac should leave the factory with an engine straight out of a Malibu or a four-banger Silverado. Third step: a complete line-wide interior redo. Stop the cheapness that’s all over the current sedans and crossovers. Just stop it. Use the Lyriq as a blueprint – it’s a big improvement over the current crop and a good first step. I’d also say Cadillac has a good blend of screen-controlled and switch-controlled user interfaces; don’t give into the haptic-touch and wall-to-wall screen thing. (On the subject of Caddy interiors – as much as I bag on the Celestiq, check out the interior on that thing. Wow.)Fourth step: Blackwing All The Things – some gas, others electric. And keep the electric/gas mix so buyers have a choice.Fifth step: be patient. That’s not easy, but if they’re doing a brand reset, it’ll take time. 
NJRide So if GM was serious about selling this why no updates for so long? Or make something truly unique instead of something that looked like a downmarket Altima?
Kmars2009 I rented one last fall while visiting Ohio. Not a bad car...but not a great car either. I think it needs a new version. But CUVs are King... unfortunately!
Ajla Remember when Cadillac introduced an entirely new V8 and proceeded to install it in only 800 cars before cancelling everything?