Even as the whipsaw of changing tariff policy continued to dominate the headlines, the dynamics of the April new-vehicle market unfolded as expected. New-vehicle sales momentum continued from the end of March and into April, before beginning to taper off. New-vehicle inventory declined further, by 7.4% from March, according to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live … Continued
After reaching its best level in 45 months in March, new-vehicle affordability fell in April despite a strong economy, due to the impact of tariffs, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “New-vehicle affordability declined in April to the worst level yet this year as the bite of higher prices and lower incentives … Continued
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 … Continued
In April 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index revealed notable changes in auto credit access across various metrics. The All-Loans Index was 95.7 in April, compared to 96.3 in March, indicating a month-over-month decrease of 0.7% and a year-over-year increase of 0.7%. Dealertrack Credit Availability Index Auto loan access was down in April and up … Continued
Key Highlights: New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new-vehicle seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, declined slightly in April but remained up substantially year over year as buyers were motivated to buy ahead of tariff-related increases to prices. Used-Vehicle Market The used market also saw month-over-month declines but gains year over year. Used prices … Continued
The monthly new-vehicle average transaction price (ATP) report from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book was released today. Key takeaways from the April report include: NEW-VEHICLE AVERAGE TRANSACTION PRICE Quote from Erin Keating, Executive Analyst, Cox Automotive “Ever since President Trump announced auto tariffs 47 days ago, the cost of new cars has been steadily climbing. … Continued
The Fed left monetary policy unchanged today at the conclusion of their third scheduled meeting of 2025. No changes have been made so far this year. This meeting did not include updated forecasts or dot plots, leaving the financial markets with little new information. The market has been more optimistic about rate cuts in 2025 … Continued
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were much higher in April compared to March. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) increased to 208.2, an increase of 4.9% from a year ago and also higher than March levels by 2.7%. This is the highest reading for the index since October … Continued
Key Highlights: GDP and Spending The first estimate of GDP for the first quarter showed a decline in the economy, but it was mainly an accounting technicality based on surging imports. The data show that tariffs are having an impact, and besides surging imports, consumer spending is slowing. Consumer Spending While the GDP data showed … Continued
The automotive industry has been significantly influenced by new tariffs over the past month. During a 100-day rally in Michigan, President Trump highlighted the achievements of the tariff initiative and provided new policy clarifications, bringing some relief to automakers and parts suppliers. These tariffs have been a pivotal topic since the early days of the … Continued
