Light-truck sales are reaching new heights. In 1997, 7.2 million units were sold, an increase of 4.2 percent over 1996 sales. Light truck sales are expected to surpass 7.4 million in 1998, according to the Truck Cap and Accessories Association (TCAA). Light trucks now represent close to 50 percent of the new vehicle market. Sales of light trucks are expected to surpass those of cars by the year 2000, according to Wards Automotive Yearbook 1998.

The light-truck market consists of minivans (17.9 percent), full-sized vans (5.5 percent), full-sized pickups (26.6 percent), compact pickups (14.7 percent), full-sized sport utility vehicles (SUVs) (8.0 percent), compact SUVs (23.3 percent) and small SUVs (3.9 percent). It will be interesting to see the changes in percentages.

It is estimated that SUVs of all sizes comprise 35.2 percent of the light truck market. According to Automotive Marketing magazine, it is estimated that in households having more than two vehicles, only 28 percent used a car as their primary vehicle. An estimated 17 percent used an SUV as a primary vehicle in these households, and more than half (52 percent) used a pickup as the primary vehicle.

The demographic information on light-truck owner shows 48.2 percent are high school graduates, with 52 percent having some college, college degrees or post graduate degrees. Almost 50 percent of light-truck owners are between the ages of 41 and 65. Fifty-one percent of light truck owners have a household income ranging between $35,000 and $74,999.

The light truck market is reaffirming its position in the vehicle market. If truck statistics interest you, contact Denise Caspersen at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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