News Coverage
Slowing OEM Production to Fuel Affordability Challenge, Analyst Says
Thursday December 6, 2018
Recent OEM exits of lower-priced vehicle segments will limit availability and squeeze auto affordability in 2019, said Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive Inc.
“We’re starting to see announcements from major manufacturers about ceasing production of mostly more affordable cars, and so that reduces the number of units available for sale,” Smoke said.
In late November, General Motors announced plans to scrap production of most sedans and small cars by 2020. In April, Ford Motor Co. announced the cancellation of various U.S. sedan models to focus on more popular SUV and truck segments.