Insights

ATLANTA, May 27, 2026 – New-vehicle sales in May are expected to show a market that remains relatively stable in the face of economic uncertainty and an ongoing war in the Middle East. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of sales is forecast by Cox Automotive to finish near 16.1 million. The expected sales pace …

ATLANTA, May 26, 2026 – The Q2 2026 Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index (CADSI) shows a second consecutive quarterly gain in dealer current market sentiment, driven by stronger conditions following a healthy spring selling season. However, expectations for the months ahead declined sharply, reflecting growing concern about the economic outlook and consumer demand. “The gains …

Welcome to the monthly Manheim Market Insights update. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb offers a check-in on what we are seeing in the used wholesale and retail markets, all through the wide lens of the data available from Cox Automotive. This month’s video highlights the mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI), the key metrics seen at wholesale, and …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on new vehicle affordability, housing market conditions, and the latest FOMC minutes. The economic backdrop has grown more complicated since our last edition, with the Middle East conflict continuing to negatively impact energy costs and the Fed’s posture shifting decidedly hawkish under newly-sworn-in Chairman Warsh. …

Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive “Wholesale used-vehicle prices moved a bit higher in early May compared to the end of April, and the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index is holding roughly 4% higher than this time last year. The spring bounce buoyed the market, as a stronger tax refund …

New-vehicle affordability declined slightly in April, as higher prices, rising interest rates, and lower incentives outweighed strong income growth. The estimated average auto loan rate increased by 9 basis points to 9.45% in April, while the Kelley Blue Book average transaction price (ATP) increased 0.7% to $49,461. Meanwhile, sales incentives declined. With household income growth …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on credit availability, consumer price inflation, producer price inflation, and retail sales, which held up in April better than the headlines suggest. Core spending last month showed resilience, even as gasoline station sales distorted the top line number. Auto credit continued its quiet march higher, …

According to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory increased in April from March’s record low, though levels remained lower year over year. As the tax-refund season eased from its peak, the sales pace moderated and days’ supply climbed from March’s multi-year low. Average listing prices moved notably higher in April, …

The electric vehicle market softened in April following March’s rebound, with performance diverging between the new and used segments. New EV sales declined amid broader weakness in overall vehicle demand, even as elevated fuel prices renewed consumer focus on efficiency. Used EV sales, meanwhile, continued to expand, supported by improving inventory availability and a growing …

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 …