The Auto Market Brief

Consumer sentiment is wavering as higher gas prices, global conflicts, and interest rate uncertainty intersect with an auto market entering the spring selling season. From geopolitical risk and fuel costs to strengthening used EV performance and growing macro uncertainty, this episode breaks down the forces reshaping demand, pricing power, and strategy across the automotive market as the year unfolds:Consumer sentiment, gas prices, and economic uncertainty: Rising oil prices stemming from Middle East tensions and shipping disruptions are pressuring sentiment and inflation expectations. We explore how volatility in headlines, consumer sentiment, and fuel costs could influence purchasing behavior in the months ahead.Used EV momentum and wholesale pricing signals: Off-lease EV supply is rising, with used EV sales and values showing notable strength in the wholesale market. We unpack what this momentum signals for dealers navigating affordability constraints, inventory decisions, and shifting consumer preferences amid uncertainty around fuel prices.Federal Reserve outlook and market volatility: With no near-term rate cuts expected, the Fed remains constrained by inflation risks tied to energy prices and global conflict. We explore how interest-rate uncertainty, GDP revisions, and recession concerns are shaping planning assumptions for 2026.The Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what’s happening now, and what’s coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights.

Geopolitical tensions are on the rise, and they’re creating ripple effects across energy markets and global supply chains. So, what does that mean for the automotive industry right now? In this special bonus episode, we break down how the conflict involving Iran could show up in the market over the near term and what auto leaders should be paying attention to in the weeks ahead:Fuel prices and consumer behavior: Disruption to the flow of goods through the Strait of Hormuz pushes oil and gas prices higher, which often changes how consumers think about driving, fueling up, and making near‑term spending decisions.Supply chains and cost pressure: Automotive’s global footprint means shipping lanes and petrochemical supply matter. Extended instability could impact logistics, materials like plastics and synthetic rubber, and overall input costs for automakers and suppliers.Interest in EVs vs. actual purchases: History shows fuel price spikes tend to drive short‑term interest in hybrids and EVs, but that interest doesn’t always turn into immediate sales, especially in an uncertain economy.More layers of uncertainty: Add in tariffs and broader policy questions, and automakers and dealers are navigating an increasingly complex planning environment that calls for flexibility and scenario thinking.The Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what’s happening now, and what’s coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights.

Policy uncertainty, inflation pressure, and productivity shifts are redefining how auto leaders compete.From GDP slowdown and Federal Reserve inflation concerns to tariffs, savings erosion, and tax refund dynamics, this episode connects the macro signals shaping automotive strategy in 2026:Macro economy, inflation, and productivity: Fresh insights from the NABE Economic Policy Conference reveal how GDP growth slowed in Q4, inflation remains above the Fed’s target, and productivity gains driven by AI, infrastructure, and lag effects are reshaping expectations for growth, labor, and monetary policy.Consumer finances and demand signals: With the savings rate falling, debt levels rising, and tax refund season arriving stronger than expected, we unpack what consumer balance sheets, seasonal delinquencies, and early wholesale pricing signals mean for demand across new and used vehicle markets.OEM strategy, fixed ops, and electrification: Automakers navigate tariff pressure, regionalized dealer support, fixed ops as a profit engine, and diverging EV strategies, from Toyota’s steady electrification push to delays and franchise challenges facing newer entrants, highlighting why execution, not demand alone, will determine winners.The Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what’s happening now, and what’s coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights

Jobs market momentum is slowing and automakers are under pressure. What does it all mean for sales, credit, and pricing decisions across the automotive market?From labor market weakness and rising debt levels to disciplined incentives and inventory strain, this episode breaks down the forces reshaping demand, profitability, and strategy as we get further into the first quarter of the year:Labor, productivity, and economic risk: Job growth revisions reveal a cooling labor market, while productivity gains and wage growth complicate the outlook for consumer demand, GDP, and recession risk. Erin and Jeremy explore what the current “low hire, low fire” environment means for automotive retailing and long-term sales momentum.Credit availability and consumer pressure: Auto loan rates, APRs, and credit availability remain relatively stable, but rising subprime share, negative equity, and growing delinquencies (especially in student loans) signal increasing pressure on consumers and lenders heading into tax refund season.Automaker performance, pricing, and inventory: OEMs navigate tariff-driven cost increases, supply chain disruptions, and disciplined incentive strategies as MSRP, invoice, and average transaction prices compress. Inventory levels, days’ supply, and production decisions are setting the stage for an intense market-share battle across key segments.The Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what’s happening now, and what’s coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights.

As the auto industry closes the book on 2025, interest rates ease, consumer signals stay mixed, and automakers reveal who gained ground, and who didn’t. Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating, joined by Interim Chief Economist Jeremy Robb, unpacks sales momentum, credit trends, CES 2026 takeaways, and what it all means for navigating a more uncertain 2026.In this episode:Where interest rates, APRs, and consumer credit ended 2025, and why it matters for buyersNew-vehicle sales, pricing, incentives, and fleet trends shaping the marketJob growth, wages, and consumer sentiment signals to watchAutomakers that finished strong, from Toyota and GM to Hyundai and KiaCES 2026 highlights, including AI, software-defined vehicles, and emerging global competitionThe Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what’s happening now, and what’s coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights

Looking for clarity in the chaos of the automotive market? You're in the right place. The Auto Market Brief is your fast, focused update on the trends, data, and decisions shaping the automotive market. From macroeconomic signals like inflation, GDP, and Federal Reserve policy to industry-specific factors like auto loan interest rates, pricing pressure, consumer credit, and sentiment; we help you connect the dots across the economy and make smarter decisions about what comes next.Each episode begins with a quick pulse check on the economy, then goes deeper, uncovering insights across inventory, retail, lending, fleet, and automaker performance. You’ll also hear timely perspectives from Cox Automotive experts and industry guests, delivering clear context, short‑term outlooks, and practical insight.Whether you’re navigating new and used vehicle dynamics, monitoring consumer behavior, or planning for shifting market conditions, The Auto Market Brief is built to keep you informed, focused, and ahead. The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at https://www.coxautoinc.com/insights.