The Cox Automotive Economic and Industry Insights team examines third-quarter U.S. auto market performance and the economic and consumer trends shaping the industry. Watch the complete update or select an individual chapter to hear directly from Cox Automotive experts.
The on-demand presentation covers the economy, consumer and dealer sentiment, new- and used-vehicle markets, electrified vehicles, auto credit, transportation and freight, and Cox Automotive’s updated 2026 forecasts.
Watch the Full Presentation
Get the complete Q3 2026 Sales Forecast Update, including expert commentary on market performance through the first nine months of the year and Cox Automotive’s updated outlook for 2026.
Runtime: 1 hour 15 minutes | Watch the Full Presentation Above
Watch by Chapter
Choose a chapter to explore the economic, consumer and industry trends most relevant to you. Each chapter is also included in the full presentation.
Introduction: Q3 2026 Sales Forecast Update
Mark Schirmer, director of communications
An introduction to this quarter’s on-demand format and an overview of the economic and automotive market conditions framing the Q3 update.
Runtime: 3 minutes | Watch the Introduction
Chapter 1: Economic and Auto Market Overview
Jeremy Robb, chief economist
An examination of the economic environment and the factors supporting a resilient auto market despite inflation, lower consumer sentiment and other persistent headwinds.
Runtime: 7 minutes | Watch Chapter 1
Chapter 2: The Dealer Perspective
Alex Bland, senior director of Customer and Market Research
A review of the Q3 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index, including how dealers assess current market conditions and the factors shaping their outlook. Dealers continue to express concerns about consumer finances, operating costs, interest rates and profitability, even as several measures of market activity remain relatively healthy.
Runtime: 6 minutes | Watch Chapter 2
Chapter 3: Consumer Health and Sentiment
Erin Keating, executive analyst
A look at how consumers are navigating the vehicle market, including the effects of affordability pressures and broader economic conditions on shopping and purchasing decisions.
Runtime: 6 minutes | Watch Chapter 3
Chapter 4: New-Vehicle Market Scoreboard
Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist
An analysis of third-quarter new-vehicle sales, inventory, pricing, incentives and consumer purchasing trends, along with Cox Automotive’s updated 2026 new-vehicle sales forecast.
Runtime: 11 minutes | Watch Chapter 4
Chapter 5: Used-Vehicle Market Scoreboard
Mark Strand, deputy chief economist
A review of retail and wholesale used-vehicle trends, including demand, pricing, inventory, vehicle mix, auction activity and the outlook entering the fourth quarter.
Runtime: 10 minutes | Watch Chapter 5
Chapter 6: Electrified Vehicle Market
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights
An update on new- and used-electric-vehicle sales, inventory and pricing, as well as hybrid performance, fuel-efficiency considerations and the near-term outlook for the electrified market.
Runtime: 9 minutes | Watch Chapter 6
Chapter 7: Credit Availability and the Cost of Borrowing
Jonathan Gregory, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights
An examination of auto credit availability, loan rates, approval trends, lender behavior and longer loan terms, along with what borrowing conditions may mean for the auto market.
Runtime: 8 minutes | Watch Chapter 7
Chapter 8: Transportation and Freight Perspectives
Zo Rahim, senior manager of Economic and Industry Insights
A review of vehicle transportation and freight trends, including demand, operating costs, vehicle flows, market activity and regulatory developments affecting the business.
Runtime: 7 minutes | Watch Chapter 8
Chapter 9: Forecast Update and Outlook
Jeremy Robb, chief economist
A review of Cox Automotive’s updated 2026 forecasts, the changes since the Mid-Year Review and the principal risks and potential opportunities entering the fourth quarter.
Runtime: 9 minutes | Watch Chapter 9
Closing Remarks: Q3 2026 Sales Forecast Update
Mark Schirmer, director of communications
Closing remarks and information about where to find additional data, analysis and perspectives from the Cox Automotive Economic and Industry Insights team.
Runtime: 1 minute | Watch the Closing Remarks
Additional Data and Insights
This biweekly newsletter provides a roundup of industry news and perspectives from Cox Automotive analysts and experts.
The Auto Market Brief is a fast, focused podcast on the trends, data and decisions shaping the automotive market.
This dashboard shows the latest new- and used-vehicle sales, inventory, pricing, supply and economic data tracked by Cox Automotive.
