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
Admittedly, tariffs have been a central topic so far in 2025, with both actions and proposals coming fast and furious from the White House. Actions have been taken to close existing loopholes and exemptions in earlier steel tariffs, restoring full 25% tariffs on all steel imports, and to raise aluminum tariffs to 25% all beginning … Continued
Key Highlights Inflation Trends Inflation accelerated in January, with vehicle prices, parts, and insurance contributing strongly to the gains as year-over-year inflation increased to 3.0% and core inflation increased to 3.3% year over year. Retail Sales Performance Retail sales declined 0.9% in January, as most categories declined, with winter weather playing a role. Vehicle sales … Continued
New-vehicle affordability improved in January to the best level in 41 months, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “New-vehicle affordability received a boost from the lower prices typically observed in January following the luxury brand sales surge in December,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “These lower prices, combined with … Continued
According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in January1 increased month over month compared to December. A total of 1.41 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during January, up 8% year over year. Days’ supply of used vehicles at the … Continued
According to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels increased from January to the start of February. Still, used-vehicle inventory was lower than in early February 2024. 2.23M Total UnsoldUsed Vehiclesas of Feb. 3, 2025 48 Days’ Supply $25,128 Average Listing Price 70,367 Average Mileage As February opened and tax season … Continued
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
