6-digit U.S. detail
441120
Used Car Dealers
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing used automobiles and light trucks, such as sport utility vehicles, and passenger and cargo vans. Illustrative Examples: Antique auto dealers Light truck dealers, used only Automobile dealers, used only
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | Retail Trade 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole The Retail Trade sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise. The retailing process is the final step in the distribution of merchandise; retailers are, therefore, organized to sell merchandise in small quantities to the general public. Retail stores are fixed point-of-sale locations, located and designed to attract a high volume of walk-in customers. In general, retail stores have extensive displays of merchandise and use mass-media advertising to attract customers. Retailers often reach customers and market merchandise with methods other than, or in addition to, physical stores, such as Internet websites, the broadcasting of "infomercials," the broadcasting and publishing of direct-response advertising, the publishing of paper and electronic catalogs, door-to-door solicitation, in-home demonstration, selling from portable stalls (street vendors, except food), and distribution through vending machines. Establishments engaged in the direct sale and home delivery of products, such as home heating oil dealers and home delivery newspaper routes, are included here. Retail establishments typically sell merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, but some also serve business and institutional clients. These include office supply retailers, computer and software retailers, building materials dealers, plumbing supply retailers, and electrical supply retailers. In addition to retailing merchandise, some retailers are also engaged in the provision of after-sales services, such as repair and installation. For example, new automobile dealers, electronics and appliance retailers, and musical instrument and supplies retailers often provide repair services. As a general rule, establishments engaged in retailing merchandise and providing after-sales services are classified in this sector. Retail trade establishments are grouped into industries and industry groups typically based on one or more of the following criteria: (a) The merchandise line or lines carried; for example, specialty retailers are distinguished from general-line retailers. (b) The usual trade designation of the establishments. This criterion applies in cases where a retailer is well recognized by the industry and the public, but difficult to define strictly in terms of merchandise lines carried; for example, pharmacies and department stores. (c) Human resource requirements in terms of expertise; for example, the staff of an automobile dealer requires knowledge in financing, registering, and licensing issues that are not necessary in other retail industries. The buying of goods for resale is a characteristic of retail trade establishments that particularly distinguishes them from establishments in the agriculture, manufacturing, and construction industries. For example, farms that sell their products at or from the point of production are not classified in retail, but rather in agriculture. Similarly, establishments that both manufacture and sell their products to the general public are not classified in retail, but rather in manufacturing. However, establishments that engage in processing activities incidental to retailing are classified in retail. This includes optical goods retailers that grind lenses, and meat and seafood retailers that process carcasses into cuts. Wholesalers also engage in the buying of goods for resale, but they are not usually organized to serve the general public. They typically operate from a warehouse or office, and neither the design nor the location of these premises is intended to solicit a high volume of walk-in traffic. Wholesalers supply institutional, industrial, wholesale, and retail clients; their operations are, therefore, generally organized to purchase, sell, and deliver merchandise in larger quantities. However, dealers of durable nonconsumer goods, such as farm machinery and heavy-duty trucks, are included in wholesale trade even if they often sell these products in single units. |
| 441 | Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers 3-digit subsector | Industries in the Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers subsector retail motor vehicles and parts. Establishments in this subsector often operate from a showroom and/or an open lot where the vehicles are on display. The display of vehicles and the related parts require little by way of display equipment. The personnel generally include both the sales and sales support staff familiar with the requirements for registering and financing a vehicle as well as a staff of parts experts and mechanics trained to provide repair and maintenance services for the vehicles. Specific industries included in this subsector identify the type of vehicle being retailed. Sales of capital or durable nonconsumer goods, such as medium- and heavy-duty trucks, are always included in wholesale trade. |
| 4411 | Automobile Dealers 4-digit industry group | This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing new and used automobiles and light trucks, such as sport utility vehicles, and passenger and cargo vans. |
| 44112 | Used Car Dealers 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 441120. |
| 441120 | Used Car Dealers 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in retailing used automobiles and light trucks, such as sport utility vehicles, and passenger and cargo vans. Illustrative Examples: Antique auto dealers Light truck dealers, used only Automobile dealers, used only |
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Classification References
- 01Retailing new automobiles and light trucks--are classified in Industry 441110, New Car Dealers;
- 02Merchant wholesale distribution of used medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other motor vehicles--are classified in Industry 423110, Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Merchant Wholesalers; and
- 03Renting passenger cars without drivers, generally for short periods of time--are classified in U.S. Industry 532111, Passenger Car Rental.
Index Items
Antique auto dealers
Automobile dealers, used only
Light utility truck dealers, used only
Used car dealers
How Item Can Help
WMS optimizes warehouse operations for the high volume of used vehicles by enabling rapid inspection, sorting, and loading of mixed inventory types.
OMS streamlines order fulfillment by coordinating complex returns, title transfers, and instant pricing adjustments for immediate customer sale.
TMS reduces logistics costs by planning efficient routes for transporting multiple car lots to dealerships, auction houses, or customers.
External Resources
Census.gov NAICS Detail
Official US Census Bureau definition and scope for NAICS 441120.
National Used Car Dealers Association
The leading trade association for used car dealers providing advocacy, education, and resources.
Federal Trade Commission - Used Car and Truck Dealer Guide
Official FTC guidance on ethical practices, legal requirements, and avoiding scams in the used vehicle market.
National Association of Automobile Dealers - Used Car Division
Professional resources and networking opportunities for auto dealers specializing in pre-owned vehicles.
