Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) decreased 2.2% in October from September. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index declined to 200.0 and is now down 10.6% from a year ago. The non-adjusted price change in October was a decline of 2.1% compared to September, moving the unadjusted average price down … Continued
The October employment report saw a modest slowing in job creation, along with a slight increase in the unemployment rate and a modest slowing in wage growth. Still, the labor market remains strong and is a key reason why the Fed believes it is too soon to pause on rate increases. The Fed increased the … Continued
Nissan has warned continued supply chain constraints will impact its earnings, and access to computer chips will be key to its growth. Nissan reports financial results on Tuesday, November 8, for the July-to-September period, Nissan’s second quarter of its fiscal year that ends March 31, 2023. In July, Ashwani Gupta, Nissan’s chief operating officer, spoke … Continued
Sales into large fleets, not including sales into dealer and manufacturer fleets, increased 21% month over month in October to 148,721 units, according to an early estimate from Cox Automotive. Combined sales into large rental, commercial, and government fleets were up nearly 49% year over year in October. Sales into rental and commercial were both … Continued
As expected, the Fed raised the target for the Federal Funds Rate by three-quarters of a percentage point today, which was the fourth straight jumbo increase this year. The biggest news from the Fed’s move was the indication that future increases may be smaller and slower to come. The Fed has now moved the target … Continued
Toyota has posted financial results for the July-to-September quarter, the automaker’s second quarter of its fiscal year. Like its Japanese competitors, Toyota has had one of the lowest inventory levels in the U.S. for the past year, including the third quarter. Fewer vehicles on the lot and high interest rates might be compressing the company’s … Continued
Stellantis has steered through the global computer chip shortage, maintaining the most abundant vehicle inventory in the U.S. industry for the past year while other automakers struggled with skimpy supply. Still, Stellantis posted a decline in U.S. sales in the third quarter, while incentives were more than twice the industrywide average. Its average transaction price … Continued
Last week featured mixed news with enough strength in the economy and consumer spending to result in more rate increases and communication of more increases to come from the Fed this week. Check back on Smoke on Cars for additional commentary after the announcement on Wednesday, November 2. The third quarter saw a strong rebound … Continued
The fall is one of the best times of the year for sports fans: the World Series, NFL and college football, and the beginning of the NBA basketball season. And fans can’t miss the steady stream of automotive commercials during every TV time-out. The one question on the minds of today’s new-car shoppers watching these … Continued
Leasing is an important financing option for potential shoppers in the new-vehicle market. New vehicles financed through an auto loan generally have a higher monthly payment. Thus leasing provides an affordable “bridge” to new vehicles for people who cannot afford to purchase outright. Additionally, leasing has been an important option for potential buyers who … Continued