Average US vehicle age hits record 11.5 years - Chron.com
The average vehicle in the U. S. is now a record 11. 5 years old, according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, a sign of the increased reliability of today’s vehicles and the lingering impact of the sharp drop in new car sales during the recession. The average vehicle in the U. S. is now a record 11. 5 years old, according to consulting firm IHS Automotive, a sign of the increased reliability of today's vehicles and the lingering impact of the sharp drop in new car sales during the recession. Drivers behind the wheel of older cars aren't enjoying some of the latest advanced safety features or infotainment systems that effectively turn cars into cellphones on wheels. IHS said U. S. registrations grew to a record 257. 9 million cars and trucks, up 2 percent from a year earlier. The average age of vehicles has been climbing steadily since IHS began tracking the number in 2002. As quality and reliability have improved, people have been holding on to their cars and trucks for longer. Cars and trucks now have the same average age, says Mark Seng, IHS Automotive's global aftermarket practice leader. For many years, cars had shorter lifespans than trucks, but their quality has now caught up. Experts say there's no rule for how long to hold on to an old car or truck. Source: www.chron.com
