In 2020, there were 31,876 new cars and trucks registered in the Wilmington metro area. This number is based on projections from the National Auto Dealers Associaton (NADA) and the U.S. Census bureau.

In all, says NADA, there are 53 new-car dealerships in Delaware. Despite the pandemic, these dealers, including those in the Wilmington area, sold $3 billion worth of new vehicles.

Through June of this year, these same dealers have already rung up $1.6 billion in new car sales.

When it comes to buying new vehicles, Wilmington consumers have a broad range of preferences. Some buyers want Fords while others want Chevrolets, Toyotas, or Teslas.  Some buyers want pick-up trucks, while others want sub-compacts, SUVs, or sports cars. Of course, some want blue vehicles, while others want pearl white, orchard green, or redolent red.

There is one purchase criterion, however, that most Wilmington car buyers can agree on. They want an AM/FM radio smack-dab, in the middle of their dash.