Insights

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 …

ATLANTA – August 18, 2025 – Cox Automotive today announced it has officially closed the acquisition of Bel Air Auto Auction near Baltimore, Maryland, and Tallahassee Auto Auction in Tallahassee, Florida. This bold move marks Manheim’s first auction addition in nearly 25 years—further cementing Manheim as the world’s largest wholesale marketplace as it celebrates its …

ANN ARBOR, MI, and ATLANTA, Aug. 18, 2025 – Car and Driver, the world’s largest automotive media brand, and Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, today announced the launch of the Car and Driver Marketplace, a premium shopping experience that connects research and vehicle listings, powered by Autotrader, on CarandDriver.com. With this exclusive partnership, shoppers can …

Retail sales remained strong in July, even though core inflation reaccelerated, but higher inflation expectations are weighing on consumer sentiment. The initial retail sales report for July saw a slightly slower-than-expected growth in sales, but June’s sales were revised higher. Retail sales remain strong, with July building on a strong June. The consumer is still behind …

The electric vehicle (EV) market gained strong momentum in July, with new and used EV sales rising sharply as consumers accelerated purchases ahead of the Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credit expiration. Inventory tightened, incentives climbed, and pricing adjusted – highlighting a market still heavily influenced by policy support but increasingly responsive to real-time demand. New …

July marked the second consecutive month of improved new‑vehicle affordability after the dip that followed the tariff announcements, according to the Cox Automotive and Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “In July, new-vehicle affordability improved to the best level since March, when tariffs were first announced,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “Higher incentives, higher …

According to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels at the start of August showed little movement month over month. Still, they were up compared to early August 2024. 2.20M Total UnsoldUsed Vehiclesas of July 31, 2025 43 Days’ Supply $25,527 Average Listing Price 72,691 Average Mileage As August opened, the …

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in July1 increased month over month compared to June.  A total of 1.52 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during July, up 8.9% month over month and up 7.0% year over year. Days’ …

In a notable development, new-vehicle inventory has declined by 1% over the last month, yet it has returned to levels comparable to those before the tariff announcements on March 26. This indicates that automakers are exercising discipline in production, while electric vehicle (EV) sales are thriving as buyers respond to EV tax credits set to …

Amy Mills, executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Cox Automotive, will retire at the end of the year after nearly 25 years with the company. Mills joined Cox in 2001, holding more than a dozen leadership roles spanning brand marketing, product management, client service and strategy. Her career began as an assistant marketing …