M2 TechCast, Jan. 13, 2019 — Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Autotrader, joins Mike Brennan on his M2 TechCast podcast to talk about the outlook for 2019 North American auto and light truck sales – down somewhat from 2018. On this episode, she also outlines some of the major issues that could impact sales, … Continued
Detroit Free Press, Jan. 13, 2019 — The warnings flashed a few years back: 2019 was to be a year of the “lease tsunami.” A glut of cars, trucks and SUVs leased a few years ago are set to come off three-year leases and return to dealer lots, driving down used car prices. In 2019, … Continued
ATLANTA (Jan. 8, 2019) – Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) decreased 1.03 percent month-over-month in December. This brought the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to 137.6, a 4.3 percent increase from a year ago, and down from its record high of 140.9 in October. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value … Continued
WardsAuto, Jan. 8, 2019 — Strong demand for used vehicles kept their prices up in 2018, but that could change this year if income tax refunds are not as much money as previously, says Jonathan Smoke, chief economist for Cox Automotive. Issues related to potentially delayed and smaller 2019 tax refunds are a “major concern,” … Continued
CBT News, Jan. 7, 2019 — 2018 has been a year of continued innovation and big advances in technology, and with these changes comes new demands from consumers. From car buying experiences, to preferences, and car ownership expectations, there’s certainly a lot for dealers to consider in the new year. On today’s show, Jim Fitzpatrick … Continued
CBT News, Jan. 4, 2019 — This past year was met with a lot twisting turns when it came to auto sales and trends. However, in the end, many were wondering how 2018 would eventually shape up, and December’s sales results held the final piece of the puzzle. Estimates given by leading analysts from Cox … Continued
Forbes, Jan. 3, 2019 — Energized by tax reform, lower fuel prices and high employment the expected second-half slump was less severe than predicted, leading to a strong kick to the finish line for U.S. auto sales. That’s the big picture. A closer look shows passenger cars sales continuing to tank, taking down overall retail … Continued
USA Today, Jan. 3, 2019 — U.S. auto sales appear to have enjoyed a surprising, albeit slight, uptick in 2018, according to analyst estimates. With automakers reporting their full-year and December sales on Thursday, analysts said the industry likely outperformed their original expectations despite concerns about a cooling global economy and rising interest rates. Edmunds.com … Continued
“To win in the new retail environment is to embrace the online channel while simultaneously changing the traditional in-stores process,” according to Pete Batton, general manager of Digital Retailing at Cox Automotive. In an op-ed published by Automotive News, Batton encourages dealers to not only embrace technology, but also disrupt themselves. He says: “The new … Continued
ATLANTA, Dec. 20, 2018 – According to a forecast released today by Cox Automotive, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) for new-vehicle sales in December 2018 is estimated to be 17.2 million, down from last month’s 17.4 million level, and down from last year’s 17.3 million pace. Despite the forecasted SAAR declines, healthy December sales … Continued