Insights

New-vehicle affordability improved in November after three consecutive months of decline. Strong wage growth was the difference-maker, more than offsetting higher interest rates and slightly higher transaction prices. The estimated average auto loan rate was down 55 basis points year over year but increased 7 basis points for the month to 9.56%1. The average new-vehicle …

The second full week of December was quiet except for the Federal Reserve’s last meeting of the year – and it delivered some drama. Last week, our team provided updates on credit availability and new- and used-vehicle inventory levels. This week, we will receive new information on jobs and unemployment early in the week, before …

According to an analysis of Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View data estimates, retail used-vehicle sales in November1 increased month over month compared to September.  A total of 1.39 million used vehicles were sold at retail – from both franchised and independent dealers – during November, up 1.9% year over year and 2.3% month over month. Days’ supply …

Used-vehicle inventory levels rose for the fourth consecutive month at the start of December, surpassing the previous 2025 high set in November, according to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data. 2.31M Total Inventoryas of Dec. 1, 2025 50 Days’ Supply $25,730 Average Listing Price Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a …

Heading into 2026, the U.S. auto industry faces a stable yet uneasy environment. Affordability will go down as one of the most-used buzzwords of the year, yet in new-vehicle sales and pricing, the story remains one of a slow, sustained upward trajectory. Even with talks of bringing more “affordable” subcompact cars to market, sales and …

The Cox Automotive Industry Insights and 2026 Forecast Call will be hosted on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. EST, shortly before the auto industry closes the book on the fourth quarter. Join us for a 60-minute session in which the Economic and Industry Insights team will deliver a final update on the U.S. automotive market, …

The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index reached its highest point of the year in November 2025, marking the best level since October 2022 as credit access continued to improve. The All-Loans Index rose to 99.1 in November, up 4% from November 2024 and 1.1 points from October’s 98.1. Although some key metrics varied, this continues the …

At Automobility LA 2025, Cox Automotive leaders Marianne Johnson and David Foutz share how AI has moved beyond theory and is delivering practical functionalities dealers can benefit from today. From enhancing customer experiences to streamlining operations, AI offers solutions that improve efficiency and elevate the buying journey. AI is already driving measurable results. Personalized messaging …

The average transaction price (ATP) of a new vehicle in the U.S. moved higher in November, according to estimates released today by Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand. New-vehicle prices have been increasing steadily – albeit slowly – for more than a year now. After peaking in September, prices have remained mostly stable at …

Now that we are in December and government data is flowing again, we have additional data points for the automotive market and new (but dated) reports on the economy. This week provided updates on new-vehicle sales and pricing, consumer sentiment, and spending and income, although those reports cover September. We will not receive much data …