Insights

Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jeremy Robb, Interim Chief Economist, Cox Automotive “Wholesale depreciation rates were elevated in October, burning off a bit of the higher valuation levels seen most of this year. In early November, we’ve observed more moderate trends, which was a glimmer of what we saw right at the last week of October. …

By Marianne Johnson, EVP & Chief Product Officer, Cox Automotive  Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant promise, and it’s not about what’s trending. AI is a present-day disruptor, being embedded now into dealership operations and transforming how we buy, sell, service, and own vehicles. We’re not talking about the future anymore, we’re living it.  …

The Cox Automotive Industry Insights and 2026 Forecast Call will be hosted on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. EST, shortly before the auto industry closes the book on the fourth quarter. Join us for a 60-minute session in which the Economic and Industry Insights team will deliver a final update on the U.S. automotive market, …

New-vehicle affordability edged down in October, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index, declining for the third consecutive month. New-vehicle affordability hit its lowest point since December 2024 in September and didn’t improve in October. Automakers cut incentives significantly, offsetting strong income growth and slightly lower transaction prices, so cars actually became …

October marked a sharp reversal for the electric vehicle (EV) market as the expiration of the federal EV tax credit cooled demand after three months of accelerated sales. Buyers rushed to secure incentives before the deadline, but once it passed, momentum slowed. Inventories climbed quickly, and pricing shifted upward for both new and used EVs, …

Editor’s note: Jeremy Robb, interim chief economist at Cox Automotive, will keep the Auto Market Weekly Summary rolling as Jonathan Smoke transitions to his new role as chief strategy officer. Last week saw the end of the longest government shutdown in history come to a stop on Wednesday evening after a record 43 days. Over …

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in October1 increased month over month compared to September. A total of 1.40 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during October, up 3.4% month over month and up 1.5% year over year. Days’ …

Used-vehicle inventory levels rose again at the start of November, surpassing the previous 2025 high set in October, according to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data. 2.26M Total Inventoryas of Nov. 3, 2025 48 Days’ Supply $25,945 Average Listing Price Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a total supply of 2.26 …

The U.S. automotive industry is rolling into the year-end, holiday-sales season with a steady hand, think “confident, but not overzealous.” Inventory is slowly climbing, yet both measures of total volume and days’ supply haven’t reached last year’s levels, so it’s clear this market isn’t getting ahead of itself. Cox Automotive’s read on vAuto Live Market …

The average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. declined marginally in October, according to estimates released today by Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, falling from a record high set in September. New-vehicle ATPs last month were higher compared to year-ago levels. The ATP decline was mostly expected, as sales …