New-vehicle affordability improved in February to the best level since the summer of 2021, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Affordability is relative,“ noted Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “We’re back to a K-shaped economy where higher-income individuals are faring much better, while lower-income individuals face more challenges. In February, … Continued
Tax season is off to a strong start, with 28% of all refunds issued totaling $102.25 billion, a 10% increase from last year, according to the most recent data available on Feb. 21. The average refund has risen 7% year over year to $3,453, providing a significant cash boost to Main Street USA. Additionally, annual … Continued
ATLANTA, March 12, 2025 – The Q1 2025 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) reports that the U.S. automobile dealers’ view of current market conditions increased from an index score of 42 in Q4 2024 to 44 in Q1 2025. The survey, conducted in late January and early February, indicates an upward shift in dealer … Continued
The monthly new-vehicle average transaction price (ATP) report from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book was released today. Key takeaways from February include: NEW-VEHICLE AVERAGE TRANSACTION PRICE Quote from Erin Keating, Executive Analyst Cox Automotive “February marks the five-year anniversary of the last ‘clean month’ of data prior to the global COVID pandemic that shifted the … Continued
Key Highlights Employment Trends Job growth accelerated in February and came in close to expectations, but the unemployment rate increased, and wage growth decelerated. New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new-vehicle sales pace, or seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), increased in February, but sales were slightly lower year over year with one fewer selling day. The … Continued
In February 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index revealed improvement in auto credit access across all channels, except new, and was mixed across lender types. The All-Loans Index reached 95.9, up from January and a 3.0% rise year over year. This is the highest level of auto credit access since December 2022. Dealertrack Credit Availability … Continued
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were lower in February compared to January. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) decreased to 204.1, which reflects a 0.1% increase from a year ago. The seasonal adjustment to the index drove the monthly move for the index, as non-seasonally adjusted values rose … Continued
ATLANTA, March 5, 2025 – Cox Automotive, the world’s largest automotive services and technology provider, has been named one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2025. This prestigious award highlights the exceptional workplace environment being cultivated across the company. Cox Automotive ranks No. 61 out of 100 on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work U.S. … Continued
Tariffs of 25% across North America – depending on how long they last1 – could likely upend the auto market in the United States and the larger economy. As previously reported, the North American auto market has enjoyed 30 years of free trade, so new tariffs in place for any significant length of time will … 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