The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #8
In this Episode
Pricing pressures are building across the auto market while inflation remains elevated, labor signals are mixed, and demand continues to adjust rather than retreat.
In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating and Chief Economist Jeremy Robb walk through the latest economic signals and explain how broader market pressure is showing up most clearly in vehicle pricing, inventory, and affordability, particularly in the used and used‑EV markets.
Key Takeaways
Market pressure in context: Jeremy breaks down the latest CPI and labor market data to set the backdrop for consumer conditions, emphasizing how persistent cost pressures and mixed economic signals continue to influence buying behavior without triggering a sharp market pullback.
Pricing and supply dynamics across the market: The conversation focuses on tightening used inventory, rising used‑vehicle prices, and why affordability risks are most acute where price‑sensitive buyers are concentrated. New‑vehicle market conditions, incentives, and day‑supply trends add important context to the broader pricing environment.
Tariffs, regulation, and industry strategy: Erin covers ongoing tariff uncertainty, USMCA enforcement focus, Chinese market barriers, and how compliance costs, supply chain complexity, and Ford’s EV manufacturing strategy are influencing vehicle pricing and long‑term affordability.
00:00 Intro
01:45 Contextualizing the Latest CPI Reading
05:20 New Employment Numbers
09:17 Sales and Pricing Dynamics in the Auto Market
14:13 Industry Updates: Tariffs and Geopolitical Factors
16:53 Chinese Entrants to the U.S. Auto Market
20:04 Ford’s Innovations and EV Strategy
23:54 Outro
