December brought an optimistic end to the year, with consumer sentiment riding high and high-priced vehicles selling like hotcakes. As is common in the new year, consumers slow down; new-vehicle sales in January were down by 25% month over month. Weather disruptions and the general desire to focus on the year ahead leave more buyers … Continued
The monthly new-vehicle average transaction price (ATP) report from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book was released today. Key takeaways in January include: NEW-VEHICLE AVERAGE TRANSACTION PRICE Quote from Erin Keating, Executive Analyst Cox Automotive. “After a surprisingly hot December, both new-vehicle sale volume and prices were lower in January as the market took a seasonal … Continued
In January 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index reported an improvement in auto credit accessibility across all channels, with varying results among different types of lenders. The All-Loans Index reached 95.4, flat from December but a 2.9% rise year over year. This remains the highest level of auto credit access since March 2023, considering December’s … Continued
Key Highlights Employment Trends The unemployment rate declined, and wage growth accelerated. The labor market is stable and strong at what is considered full employment. Job growth slowed in January, but the prior two months saw substantial upward revisions. New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new vehicle seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) declined in January, but … Continued
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) moved 0.4% higher in January compared to December, causing the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) to increase to 205.6, a gain of 0.8% from a year ago. The seasonal adjustment to the index muted the movement for the month, as non-seasonally adjusted values … Continued
While the tariff story continues to evolve, the chapter written earlier this week was good news for the auto industry. Massive 25% tariffs were not implemented against goods from Canada and Mexico, at least not yet. And that is good news for everyone involved, as there is little doubt: Tariffs of 25% across North America … Continued
New Orleans was hit by a historic snowfall just as thousands of attendees were arriving for the NADA Show 2025. The rare winter storm brought the heaviest snowfall the city had seen in over 130 years, adding an extraordinary twist to one of the automotive industry’s most significant events. Despite the weather-induced travel chaos, which … 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 Economic Growth and Consumer Spending The first estimate of fourth-quarter real GDP showed a slowing pace of growth at 2.3% from the 3.1% rate in the prior quarter, but underneath the total, consumer spending accelerated as spending on goods and services both accelerated. Personal Income and Inflation Consumer spending in December was strong … Continued
The Fed left monetary policy unchanged at the conclusion of their first meeting of 2025. This followed three consecutive meetings in the fall of last year in which they reduced the Fed Funds Rate by a full percentage point. The Fed meeting this week offered few new facts or insights about their perspectives. The latest … Continued
