Key Highlights: Inflation Trends Headline inflation was softer than expected in April as year-over-year inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), declined to 2.3% while core inflation was steady at 2.8% year over year. Retail Sales Retail sales in April were slightly better than expected, but category-level performance was mixed, with seven of twelve … Continued
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) declined from April in the first 15 days of May. The mid-month Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell to 205.9, showing a rise of 4.4% from the full month of May 2024. The seasonal adjustment lowered the reading of the index for the month, … Continued
According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in April1 decreased month over month compared to March. A total of 1.57 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during April, down 3.6% month over month and up 11.6% year over year. Days’ … Continued
According to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, used-vehicle inventory levels at the start of May have increased month over month but are down compared to early May 2024. 2.22M Total UnsoldUsed Vehiclesas of May 1, 2025 43 Days’ Supply $25,547 Average Listing Price 71,423 Average Mileage As May opened, the total supply … Continued
Even as the whipsaw of changing tariff policy continued to dominate the headlines, the dynamics of the April new-vehicle market unfolded as expected. New-vehicle sales momentum continued from the end of March and into April, before beginning to taper off. New-vehicle inventory declined further, by 7.4% from March, according to the Cox Automotive analysis of vAuto Live … Continued
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 … Continued
Cox Automotive’s Auto Market Report video delivers a comprehensive analysis of the current automotive market. Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke leads our effort to translate data and trends into actionable insights. This video covers a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, retail vehicle sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, pricing trends and leading … Continued
In April 2025, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index revealed notable changes in auto credit access across various metrics. The All-Loans Index was 95.7 in April, compared to 96.3 in March, indicating a month-over-month decrease of 0.7% and a year-over-year increase of 0.7%. Dealertrack Credit Availability Index Auto loan access was down in April and up … Continued
Key Highlights: New-Vehicle Sales and Prices The new-vehicle seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR), or sales pace, declined slightly in April but remained up substantially year over year as buyers were motivated to buy ahead of tariff-related increases to prices. Used-Vehicle Market The used market also saw month-over-month declines but gains year over year. Used prices … Continued
The monthly new-vehicle average transaction price (ATP) report from Cox Automotive’s Kelley Blue Book was released today. Key takeaways from the April report include: NEW-VEHICLE AVERAGE TRANSACTION PRICE Quote from Erin Keating, Executive Analyst, Cox Automotive “Ever since President Trump announced auto tariffs 47 days ago, the cost of new cars has been steadily climbing. … Continued