Insights

The Experience More stage in the Cox Automotive Village at NADA 2026 became the hub for automotive’s most important conversations; from the AI revolution reshaping dealership workflows and the unprecedented surge in off-lease EVs, to inventory strategy in supply-constrained markets and the modernization of remarketing. Across two days of sessions, Cox Automotive leaders and visiting

New-vehicle affordability improved in January, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index, reaching the best level since March 2025 when tariffs were first announced. Lower transaction prices and lower interest rates more than offset reduced incentives. The estimated average auto loan rate decreased by 2 basis points to 9.52%1, which was lower

January marked a reset for the EV market, with new‑vehicle demand softening sharply and inventory building, while used EV sales strengthened and supply tightened further. Pricing edged lower across both segments, narrowing EV‑to‑ICE premiums. New and Used EV Sales – January New EV Sales: January’s new EV sales totaled an estimated 66,276 units, down 29.9%

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on job growth and unemployment, credit availability, inflation, as well as household debt and credit trends. We expected the first reads on tax refund figures around Feb. 6, but those haven’t been released yet, and we’re still awaiting the first official report of the year.

According to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, February began with used-vehicle inventory levels down month over month but higher than in January 2025. 2.18M Total Inventoryas of Jan. 30, 2026 48 Days’ Supply $25,533 Average Listing Price Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a total supply of 2.18 million used

The U.S. new-vehicle market began February with a noticeable easing in buyer momentum while inventory levels remained largely unchanged. The latest data, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View, shows the 30-day sales pace at 845,216 units, down 22% month over month and down 4% from January 2025. Demand softened meaningfully in January, though