The bar chart compares the number of cars owned per 1,000 people in six countries in 2000 and 2020.
Overall, car ownership increased in every country. The USA had the highest rate at both dates, but the most dramatic growth occurred in the countries that had started with low ownership, notably China.
In 2000 the USA had 780 cars per 1,000 people, well ahead of Italy with 610 and Poland with 330. Over the next two decades the American figure rose only modestly, to 830, while Italy increased to 670. Poland saw a much larger change, as its rate almost doubled to 630 and came close to the Italian level.
Russia, China and India started from much lower bases. Russia's ownership rate rose from 170 to 400 per 1,000 people. China's figure, which was just 15 in 2000, climbed to 200 in 2020, an increase of more than thirteen times. India had the lowest rates of all, with 10 cars per 1,000 people in 2000 and 30 in 2020. Even so, it remained far behind the other five countries.