Bonus Episode: FTC Pricing Rules Make Headlines, but the Real Story Is Transparency and Trust
The Auto Market Brief – Bonus In this Episode Is the industry’s move toward more transparent pricing a response to FTC pricing rules, or a shift that was already underway? In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin…
Affordability Pressures Continue to Weigh on Dealer Confidence
The Q3 2026 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) shows dealers navigating a market shaped by economic uncertainty and ongoing affordability pressures. While sentiment softened during the third quarter, dealers also reported signs of stability in areas including inventory and…
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…
Auto Market Steadier Than Economic Headlines Suggest
Recent economic headlines have offered plenty of reasons for caution. Tariffs are back in the conversation. Interest rates and gas prices remain elevated, with no relief in sight. The national debt crossed the $40 trillion threshold and continues to attract…
Auto Market Weekly Summary
Last week brought several updates on economic activity, culminating in Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh’s speech at the Fed’s Jackson Hole economic symposium in Wyoming. This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary also covers personal income and spending, personal…
Bonus Episode: Shoppers Want It All, Including Affordability
The Auto Market Brief – Bonus In this Episode How does the market adapt when shoppers expect one vehicle to deliver utility, efficiency, technology, comfort, and affordability all at once? In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin…
How AI Is Influencing Vehicle Discovery and What Dealers Can Do About It
A shopper looking for a family SUV used to begin the buying journey by searching an automotive marketplace or dealership website. Now, they’re starting with a question. “Which SUV has the best safety ratings?” “What’s the best 3-row SUV under…
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…
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…
Auto Market Weekly Summary
While interest rates and overall debt levels dominated the news last week, economic data was relatively light. Gas prices remained elevated, holding above $4 a gallon and continuing to climb. Concerns about consumer spending also increased, highlighted by Walmart reporting…
What New Research Reveals About AI’s Growing Role in Auto Retail
Consumers are moving fast with AI. Are dealers keeping pace? In the latest Automotive News “Up To Speed” interview, Cox Automotive’s Chase Abbott joins host Emma Hancock to discuss findings from the new Cox Automotive AI in Auto Retail Tracker and what they reveal about the growing gap between shopper expectations and…