Analysis of Vehicle Registration Data from Public and Private Sources
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Vehicle in Operation (VIO) data, highlighting sources from government and private sectors, trends over decades, and challenges in vehicle data collection. It covers vehicle classifications, growth patterns, and registration practices, offering insights into vehicle trends across the country. The information helps understand the expansion of the vehicle fleet and the complexities involved in maintaining accurate registration records. A valuable resource for transportation and automotive industry stakeholders seeking detailed vehicle registration insights.
Vehicles in Operation (VIO) data reflects the total number of registered vehicles accessible through agencies like the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and private firms such as IHS and Hedges.
Data sources for VIO include government bodies like the FHWA and private companies. According to available figures, approximately 183 million lightweight short wheelbase vehicles are registered.
Additionally, there are about 50 million lightweight long wheelbase vehicles, roughly 8 million two-axle vehicles with six or more tires, around 750,000 buses, and over 9.5 million motorcycles. These figures are based on national vehicle registration data.
Data compiled primarily by FHWA shows a steady increase in vehicle numbers over the past five decades, with a slowdown during the 1990-91 economic downturn. Currently, the vehicle count exceeds 3.75 million, reflecting significant growth. The highest annual jump occurred between 1998 and 2000, adding approximately 8.5 million vehicles, with recent figures reaching over 11 million additional vehicles.
Private sector statistics on VIO often vary from government data. Vehicles are registered using the FHWA-561 form, which pertains to a specific fiscal year. Changes in vehicle classification rules and limitations in counting unused vehicles, or double-counting during transport, contribute to discrepancies. Registrations are recorded based on month and year for accurate tracking.
