The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #9
In this Episode
What are today’s economic signals really telling us about where the auto market is headed next?
In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating is joined by Chief Economist, Jeremy Robb, to break down the latest data shaping the market, from interest rate volatility and inflation trends to consumer spending behavior and recent shifts in vehicle sales performance:
Key Takeaways
What rising rates and inflation mean for affordability: Treasury yields have reached levels not seen in years, driving continued pressure on borrowing costs and influencing how lenders price auto loans across the market.
How consumer spending is holding up, and where it’s shifting: Overall spending remains positive, but rising fuel costs are taking up a larger share of consumer budgets, raising questions about how long that resilience can continue.
Where sales momentum is coming from today: New vehicle sales are showing strength, supported by growing demand for hybrids, while used vehicle values and EV pricing trends reflect tight supply and sustained interest in more efficient options.
The episode also explores key industry developments, from OEM strategy shifts and production challenges to evolving tariff discussions and regulatory activity, offering a clearer view of what these signals could mean for the road ahead.
00:00 Intro
01:25 What rising interest rates mean for auto demand
04:21 Consumer spending trends and impacts
06:28 The latest new car sales data and sales trends
09:33 Are used car values finally coming down?
11:16 Used EV momentum continues
13:33 Highlights from Stellantis Investor Day
18:31 Tariffs, policy changes, and what to watch next
24:08 Outro
