Insights

New-vehicle affordability improved in January, according to the latest Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index, reaching the best level since March 2025 when tariffs were first announced. Lower transaction prices and lower interest rates more than offset reduced incentives. The estimated average auto loan rate decreased by 2 basis points to 9.52%1, which was lower …

January marked a reset for the EV market, with new‑vehicle demand softening sharply and inventory building, while used EV sales strengthened and supply tightened further. Pricing edged lower across both segments, narrowing EV‑to‑ICE premiums. New and Used EV Sales – January New EV Sales: January’s new EV sales totaled an estimated 66,276 units, down 29.9% …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on job growth and unemployment, credit availability, inflation, as well as household debt and credit trends. We expected the first reads on tax refund figures around Feb. 6, but those haven’t been released yet, and we’re still awaiting the first official report of the year. …

According to Cox Automotive’s analysis of vAuto Live Market View data, February began with used-vehicle inventory levels down month over month but higher than in January 2025. 2.18M Total Inventoryas of Jan. 30, 2026 48 Days’ Supply $25,533 Average Listing Price Nationwide, dealers – both franchised and independent – had a total supply of 2.18 million used …

The U.S. new-vehicle market began February with a noticeable easing in buyer momentum while inventory levels remained largely unchanged. The latest data, according to Cox Automotive’s vAuto Live Market View, shows the 30-day sales pace at 845,216 units, down 22% month over month and down 4% from January 2025. Demand softened meaningfully in January, though …

In January 2026, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index held steady at 100.0, matching December’s level and remaining at its best reading since October 2022. The All-Loans Index was unchanged from December’s 100.0 but is up nearly 5% from January 2025. Individual metrics showed mixed movement, with some indicators of loosening offset by signs of tightening. …

New-vehicle prices climbed to a new January record last month, according to estimates released today by Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, beating the previous high established in January 2023. New-vehicle prices last month fell from the record high set in December 2025. The monthly decline was seasonally normal, as prices typically decline as …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on the new-vehicle sales and pricing, job openings, and consumer confidence, along with credit trends through the end of last year. Although we avoided another full-scale government shutdown, it did delay the official employment report, which will be released this week. Tax refund filing data …

Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive “We had planned for a stronger January from a pricing perspective, but wholesale values moved even faster than we expected on the back of strong retail demand, driving the MUVVI to its highest reading since September 2023. With tax refund season officially starting last …

ATLANTA, Feb. 6, 2026 – Cox Automotive named Chuck Hutton Toyota the 2026 Leader in Sustainability Award recipient, recognizing the Memphis dealership’s off-grid solar operations and its Electri-CITY Park, a first-of-its-kind EV charging destination with amenities for drivers, families and remote workers. The award was presented by Ken Kraft, chief marketing and sales officer at …