Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index: Mid-September 2026 Trends
Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jonathan Gregory, Senior Director, Cox Automotive “Wholesale values pulled back in the first half of September, with the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index falling 1% from August to 206.2, and non-adjusted prices declined 1.1%. That…
Sept. 24: Q3 2026 Cox Automotive Sales Forecast Update
The Cox Automotive Economic and Industry Insights team will release its Q3 Cox Automotive Sales Forecast Update on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m. EDT, shortly before the auto industry closes the book on the third quarter. The update will…
New-Vehicle Affordability Slips Slightly in August as Prices Rise
New-vehicle affordability declined slightly in August, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. Higher prices outweighed lower interest rates, continued income growth and a smaller pullback in incentives. The estimated average auto loan rate decreased by 2…
EV Market Monitor – August 2026
August brought further evidence of a steadily maturing electric vehicle (EV) market. New and used EV sales increased from July, inventory levels moved closer to ICE+ vehicles and growing off-lease returns continued to expand used EV availability. At the same…
Ep. 17: Diesel Hits Record Highs, Credit Availability Improves, and the Industry Balances Innovation and Investment
The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #17 In this Episode Diesel prices have reached record highs, credit availability continues to improve, and automotive leaders are facing new questions about where to invest for the future. In this episode of The…
Used-Vehicle Prices Reach Highest Level Since 2022 as Inventory Tightens in August
Retail used-vehicle sales increased month over month in August, in line with typical seasonal gains, while inventory edged lower, according to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data. Used-vehicle average listing prices increased to $27,239, 7% above a…
Auto Credit Access Reaches Highest Level Since 2015, but Borrowing Costs Rise
Auto credit access improved for a fourth consecutive month in August, reaching its highest level since November 2015, according to the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index. The All-Loans Index increased to 105.3, an increase of 0.4% from 104.9 in July and…
Retail Demand Remains Strong as New-Vehicle Inventory Declines in August
Consumer demand for new vehicles remained strong in August, with sales accelerating from July and continuing to draw down available inventory. According to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, inventory declined for the third consecutive month while…
Kelley Blue Book Report: Average New-Vehicle Transaction Price Moves Back Above $50,000 in August
ATLANTA, Sept. 10, 2026 – The average transaction price (ATP) for a new vehicle in the U.S moved back above $50,000 in August, according to analysis by Kelley Blue Book. Transaction prices continued to be influenced by a richer mix…
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index: August 2026 Trends
Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive “Overall depreciation trends had been stronger in July and early August, but those rates of decline decelerated in the latter part of the month. We have observed overall lower…
Ep. 16: Consumer Spending Slows Again, Tariff Uncertainty Looms, and Manufacturers Rethink Production
The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #16 In this Episode What happens when consumer spending slows further, trade policy remains uncertain, and automakers begin reassessing where vehicles are built? In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating and…
Cox Automotive Forecast: August New-Vehicle Sales Pace Expected to Top 16 Million for Sixth Straight Month
Updated, Sept. 2, 2026 – Early estimates suggest the August new-vehicle sales came in at 16.8 million, above our SAAR forecast of 16.3 million. Total volume likely declined approximately 5.8% year over year to 1.38 million units, better than the…
Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index: Mid-August 2026 Trends
Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jonathan Gregory, Senior Director, Cox Automotive “Wholesale values eased in the first half of August, with the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index at 207.4, down 1.2% from July. That’s a bit more depreciation than the…
Ep. 15: Consumers Pull Back, Wage Growth Trails Inflation, and Automakers Adapt
The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #15 In this Episode What happens when consumer spending slows, purchasing power comes under pressure, and automakers adjust their strategies to match a changing market? In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating…
New-Vehicle Affordability Holds Steady in July as Income Growth Resumes
New-vehicle affordability was essentially unchanged in July, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. Strong income growth and steady rates helped offset a modest increase in new-vehicle prices. Income growth remained strong at 4% year over year.…