Market Insights – Cox Automotive Inc.

New-Vehicle Affordability Stalls at 2025 Low in May 06/16/2025 New-vehicle affordability remained steady in May at the worst level this year, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “The U.S. economy remains fundamentally strong, but the recent tariffs have had a swift and measurable impact on vehicle affordability,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “After reaching the lowest affordability point of the year in April, the market essentially flatlined at that level in May.… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

April Sees Sharp Decline in New-Vehicle Affordability Amid Rising Prices and Highest Monthly Payment Since December 05/15/2025 After reaching its best level in 45 months in March, new-vehicle affordability fell in April despite a strong economy, due to the impact of tariffs, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “New-vehicle affordability declined in April to the worst level yet this year as the bite of higher prices and lower incentives turned around an improving trend,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

March Sees Best New-Vehicle Affordability in 45 Months, But Tariffs Loom Large 04/15/2025 New-vehicle affordability improved in March and reached the best level in 45 months, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Affordability is a key consideration for consumers when vehicle shopping and has been steadily improving over the last several years,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “In 2025, we have seen improvements in affordability each month. In March, the average price of… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Improves Again in February 03/14/2025 New-vehicle affordability improved in February to the best level since the summer of 2021, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Affordability is relative,“ noted Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “We’re back to a K-shaped economy where higher-income individuals are faring much better, while lower-income individuals face more challenges. In February, the average price of a new vehicle decreased again, improving affordability.… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Hits 41-Month High in January 02/17/2025 New-vehicle affordability improved in January to the best level in 41 months, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “New-vehicle affordability received a boost from the lower prices typically observed in January following the luxury brand sales surge in December,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “These lower prices, combined with higher incomes, more than offset lower incentives and a slight increase… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

December Sees Decline in New-Vehicle Affordability, Monthly Payments Hit Six-Month High 01/15/2025 New-vehicle affordability declined in December, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. Lower interest rates, higher incentives and increased incomes could not offset the impact of higher prices. “In December, new vehicles were only slightly less affordable than in the previous month,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive. “The December index increased by 1% from November 2024, aligning with typical seasonal patterns.… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Declined in November 12/16/2024 New-vehicle affordability declined in November, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. Lower interest rates, higher incentives and increased incomes could not offset the impact of rising prices. “In November, affordability saw a slight dip from the previous month as demand intensified, but the good news is that new vehicles are still more affordable compared to a year ago,” said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Improves in October 11/15/2024 New-vehicle affordability improved in October as interest rates declined, incentives increased, and income gains all favored the consumer, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. October had the best vehicle affordability level since August 2021. “Auto loan rates are beginning to decline, offering some relief to consumers,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “In October, we also observed an improvement in auto credit availability.… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Unchanged in September 10/16/2024 New-vehicle affordability was unchanged in September, as various factors offset any potential benefits for consumers, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. “Even with a larger-than-expected rate cut by the Fed in September, there hasn’t been a material improvement in auto loan rates or the overall affordability of new vehicles,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “Despite the minimal movement this fall, September… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point

New-Vehicle Affordability Improved in August to Best Level in 39 Months 09/16/2024 New-vehicle affordability improved in August to the best level since May 2021 as every factor moved in the consumer’s favor, according to the Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index. Factors leading to improved new-vehicle affordability include lower prices and interest rates and higher incomes and incentives. “The affordability story is complex,” said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. “When analyzing the data, we observe that affordability is… Read Article

Vehicle Affordability Index Cox Automotive/Moody's Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index vehicle affordability Market Insights Data Point