New-car sales in the U.S. are expected to rise in 2022, driven by pent-up demand after automakers in 2021 cut production due to pandemic-driven supply chain issues and semiconductor shortages, industry consultant Edmunds said Dec. 16.

The online car shopping guide estimated that 15.2 million new cars would be sold in 2022, a 1.2% increase from its 2021 vehicle sales estimate.

Shortages of semiconductor chips that control everything from heated seats to infotainment systems have caused major automakers to cut production or, in some cases, build vehicles without certain features.  

"Sales have been depressed since the spring, but consumer appetite for new vehicles continues to run high, which will only serve to build up deferred demand next year and beyond," said Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ executive director of insights.

Edmunds also expects the average transaction price for new vehicles, which jumped to $45,872 in November from $39,984 a year ago, to hit record levels.

The U.S. electric vehicle market will continue to see growth and will surpass 600,000 units in 2022, Edmunds predicted, adding that Ford’s F-150 Lightning "will be the champion of the segment."

Edmunds, which guides car shoppers from research to purchase, said the booming used-car market will continue to draw more shoppers as inventory shortages squeeze the new-vehicle market.

Data firm IHS Markit reported Dec. 16 that U.S. new-car sales in 2022 would rise to 15.47 million vehicles from an estimated 15.07 million in 2021. It also said it sees mainland China new-car sales rising to 26.92 million in 2023 and to 28.99 million in 2024.