Dealer Concern About Tariffs Ease, but Risks Remain
Fewer franchised and independent dealers are concerned about tariffs than they were in March 2025. However, concern about parts, reconditioning, and service operations has increased. Dealer concern about tariffs has eased since Cox Automotive’s March 2025 survey, according to polling…
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…
It’s Time to Let Go of “The Way It’s Always Been Done”
There’s a reason we fall back on “the way it’s always been done.” It’s familiar and it’s worked before. It can also keep an industry tied to practices that no longer match the world around it. That is the challenge…
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…
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…