The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #11

Gas prices are finally coming down, but how much does that actually improve the total cost of buying and owning a vehicle?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Jeremy Robb break down the latest economic signals shaping the market, from declining fuel costs and improving sentiment to the ongoing pressures tied to inflation, interest rates, and vehicle pricing.

Key Takeaways

How much lower gas prices really help: Gas prices have fallen below $4 per gallon, providing some relief for consumers, but fuel is only one part of the overall cost equation.

Why vehicle affordability remains under pressure: Even as fuel costs ease, elevated interest rates and higher vehicle prices continue to impact monthly payments and purchasing decisions.

What the latest data says about market performance: New vehicle sales are holding stronger than expected, while used vehicle prices remain elevated, highlighting the ongoing tension between demand and affordability.

The episode also explores key industry developments, including regulatory focus on pricing transparency, continued investment in autonomous technologies, and signals from subprime lending markets.

00:00 Intro

01:54 Jobs Data and Economic Strength

04:27 Fed Policy and Interest Rate Outlook

08:18 Gas Prices and Consumer Impact

10:39 Auto Sales Performance

13:27 Market Outlook and Sentiment

15:52 FTC Pricing and Dealer Implications

18:03 Autonomy and Industry Innovation

18:50 EV Localization and Global Competition

20:24 Subprime Lending and Risk Signals

22:08 Outro