We have all seen the celebrations where blindfolded participants swing wildly at piñatas, breaking them open, so the treats tumble to the floor. In Washington, DC, and in some states, it seems like politicians, without blindfolds, are taking turns treating the auto industry like a piñata, until their earnings hit the floor. The Inflation Reduction … Continued
Key Highlights: Retail Sales Surge in March Retail sales saw the strongest monthly growth in two years in March with 10 of 12 categories up, and sales were up year over year on a nominal and inflation-adjusted basis. Vehicle Market Leads the Charge The vehicle market was the strongest gainer as consumers pulled demand forward … Continued
In March, the electric vehicle (EV) market experienced shifts in both new and used segments. While sales increased for both new and used EVs, the market share for new EVs saw a slight decline. Inventory levels tightened across the board as recent tariff announcements influenced consumer behavior. New EV transaction prices rose, whereas used EV … Continued
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) rose sharply from March in the first 15 days of April. The mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index increased to 207.1, showing a rise of 4.3% from the full month of April 2024, with the seasonal adjustment dampening the non-adjusted price increase. The non-adjusted … Continued
New-vehicle affordability improved in March and reached the best level in 45 months, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Affordability is a key consideration for consumers when vehicle shopping and has been steadily improving over the last several years,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “In 2025, we have seen … 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
Key Highlights Inflation and Its Impact on the Auto Industry The CPI fell in March relative to February as year-over-year inflation declined to 2.4% and core inflation declined to 2.8%. This is likely a temporary low before these metrics rise by a percentage point or more later this year due to tariffs on more imported … Continued
According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in March1 increased month over month compared to February. A total of 1.66 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during March, up 9.4% month over month and 12.2% year over year. Days’ supply … Continued
According to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels at the start of April have decreased both month over month and compared to early April 2024. 2.14M Total UnsoldUsed Vehiclesas of March 31, 2025 39 Days’ Supply $25,180 Average Listing Price 70,487 Average Mileage As April opened, the total supply of … Continued
Nearly 300,0001 new electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in the first quarter of 2025 in the U.S., according to the latest report from Kelley Blue Book, an increase of 11.4% year over year. Despite many obstacles — and what you may read elsewhere — electric-vehicle sales continue to grow at a healthy pace in the U.S. … Continued