Insights

ATLANTA & COSTA MESA, CA, June 10, 2025 – As the market heats up, along with the competition, it has never been more important to make smart car buying choices based on trusted research. As part of its commitment to drive stronger results for our clients, Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, Cox Automotive brands, today …

According to new data released today from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book, the average new-vehicle transaction price (ATP) in May was mostly unchanged from April, as the new vehicle sales pace slowed. Key takeaways from the May report include: NEW-VEHICLE AVERAGE TRANSACTION PRICE Quote from Erin Keating, Executive Analyst, Cox Automotive “While tariff policy is …

In May 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index showed a modest improvement in auto credit access across several key metrics. The All-Loans Index rose to 96.7, up from 95.5 in April, marking a 1.2-point increase month over month and continuing a gradual upward trend in credit availability. Dealertrack Credit Availability Index Auto loan access was up in May and up year over …

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 …

Key Highlights: Labor Market The employment report for May was mostly better than expected, but reflects slowing job growth as the economy adjusts to tariffs and much slower immigration. New-Vehicle Market The new-vehicle SAAR declined in May, but the retail SAAR was still stronger than the pace prior to the short-lived tariff-induced frenzy. Consumers are …

Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were lower in May compared to April. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) declined to 205.2, representing a 4% increase from the same time last year and a 1.4% decline from April levels. The seasonal adjustment slightly lowered the decline seen in the …

Key Highlights: GDP The decline in real GDP in the first quarter was revised down slightly in the second estimate, but the decline was mainly an accounting technicality based on surging imports. Personal Income and Spending Consumer spending growth decelerated in April following a surge in March. Year-over-year measures of inflation that the Fed follows …

Updated, June 4, 2025 – As expected, the cumulative challenges of the tariff uncertainty and vehicle affordability are beginning to show up in the new-vehicle sales numbers. In May, according to initial estimates, new-vehicle sales were close to 1.47 million units, generally flat versus April and higher by 2.5% from year-ago levels. The numbers came in slightly lower …

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 …

Key Highlights: Existing and New Home Sales Existing home sales declined in April to Great Recession levels. Inventory increased, but overall supply remains tight, and prices were up 1.8% year over year. New home sales increased in April, leading total home sales higher for the month, but sales were down year over year. Jobless Claims …