In 2020, there were 217,348 new cars and trucks registered in the Boston 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 381 new-car dealerships in Massachusetts. Despite the pandemic, these dealers, including those in the Boston area, sold $20.1 billion worth of new vehicles.

Through June of this year, these same dealers have already rung up $12.5 billion in new car sales.

When it comes to buying new vehicles, Boston 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 Boston car buyers can agree on. They want an AM/FM radio smack-dab, in the middle of their dash.