Insights

Key Highlights Federal Government Shutdown: Data Delays, But No Major Trend Changes The Federal government shutdown is entering its third week, delaying updates on crucial economic indicators such as the consumer price index, new construction permits and starts, retail sales, and jobless claims. However, alternative data sources indicate that economic trends have remained stable through …

ATLANTA, Oct. 20, 2025 – Cox Automotive, the global leader in automotive technology and services, today announced it has built the automotive industry’s first true omnichannel digital retailing platform that enables complete vehicle purchases across multiple digital channels simultaneously. The platform allows automotive sellers to offer full e-commerce capabilities on their own websites and integrates …

Used-vehicle inventory levels rose again at the start of October, reaching a new high for 2025, according to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data. 2.26M Total Inventoryas of Oct. 6, 2025 48 Days’ Supply $25,825 Average Listing Price Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a total supply of 2.26 million …

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in September1 decreased month over month compared to August.  A total of 1.42 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during September, down 5.2% month over month and up 6.6% year over year. Days’ …

Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) decreased from September in the first 15 days of October. The mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell to 203.6, showing a gain of 0.4% from the full month of October 2024. The seasonal adjustment amplified the impact for the month, as it was …

September marked a third consecutive strong month for the electric vehicle (EV) market, helping push Q3 sales to a record high. As buyers rushed to take advantage of the final days of the federal EV tax credit, demand remained elevated, inventory tightened sharply, and incentives continued to shape sales across both new and used segments. …

New-vehicle inventory increased in September as the sales pace slowed in the final two weeks of the month. Days’ supply increased as well. The volume of model-year-2026 vehicles continues to grow, pushing the average listing price higher as expected. At the start of October, roughly 41% of available new vehicles were MY2026 units, up from …

New-vehicle affordability in September hit its lowest level since December 2024, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Higher incentives and income growth weren’t enough to offset September’s new-vehicle price increase,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “Even though incentive spending was at its highest level this year, the average transaction …

Cox Automotive’s Auto Market Report video delivers a comprehensive analysis of the current automotive market. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke leads our effort to translate data and trends into actionable insights. This video covers a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, retail vehicle sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, pricing trends and leading …

In September, the average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. was above $50,000 for the first time, according to new estimates released today by Kelley Blue Book. New-vehicle prices have risen steadily for more than a year, with the pace of the increases accelerating in recent months. Despite higher prices, retail …