Explore every episode of the podcast The Auto Market Brief

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 buyers
• New-vehicle sales, pricing, incentives, and fleet trends shaping the market
• Job growth, wages, and consumer sentiment signals to watch
• Automakers that finished strong, from Toyota and GM to Hyundai and Kia
• CES 2026 highlights, including AI, software-defined vehicles, and emerging global competition

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

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.

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.

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.

Car shoppers aren’t following a linear path to purchase anymore. Instead, they’re validating information across platforms, formats, and voices, reshaping how automotive content is created and consumed.

In this conversation, Erin Keating is joined by Michelle Clark, Director of Editorial for Cox Automotive’s consumer brands, to explore these shifts in behavior and what it means for the future of automotive storytelling:

Validation over linear research:
Today’s consumers continuously validate what they see and hear, seeking multiple perspectives, real experiences, and trusted sources throughout the entire shopping journey, not just at the point of purchase.

Creator-led content builds trust:
Short-form video and creator perspectives are resonating because they feel personal and authentic, helping shoppers assess vehicle features, technology, and ownership considerations through real-world lenses.

Content closer to the transaction:
Automotive advice content is moving beyond awareness into decision-support, with tools and information like gas price tracking and insurance guidance playing a more direct role in purchase confidence.

AI as an enabler, not a storyteller:
Editorial teams are using AI to scale and adapt storytelling across formats, empowering journalists to become multi‑format generalists while keeping human expertise at the center of the content.

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.

Soaring gas prices, ongoing geopolitical tension, and shifting rate expectations continue to collide with a key spring selling period for the auto market.

From fuel price volatility and interest rate pressure to evolving consumer shopping behavior and industry cost complexities, this episode unpacks the dynamics shaping demand, market resilience, and decision-making across the automotive landscape as we step into the second quarter of the year:

Fuel prices, sentiment, and near-term demand signals:
Oil price increases tied to global conflict are lifting fuel costs and weighing on sentiment, with national averages inching closer to critical thresholds. Despite this, the market has not yet seen a sharp sales slowdown, with regional differences, income dynamics, and timing effects likely influencing consumer behavior.

Consumer shopping behavior and market resilience:
Despite economic pressure, new and used vehicle sales remain relatively strong. Erin Keating and Jeremy Robb discuss tax refunds, the spring sales tailwind, and rising online interest in hybrids and EVs as consumers adjust rather than retreat in response to higher operating costs.

Rates, tariffs, and industry pressures:
With benchmark rates moving higher and tariff impacts lingering, the conversation explores how financing conditions, wholesale market signals, production decisions, ADAS repair complexity, and autonomous vehicle investment are reshaping cost structures and strategic planning across the industry.

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.

New inflation readings, geopolitical uncertainty, and lingering tariff pressure continue to cloud the economic outlook, but the auto market is proving more resilient than the headlines suggest.

From inflation reading timing and consumer income dynamics to tightening used supply and disciplined OEM strategies, this episode unpacks why rising uncertainty has not yet translated into market disruption and what that means as the industry moves deeper into the second quarter of the year:

Inflation signals, timing, and economic context:
Recent CPI and PCE data point to ongoing inflation pressure, but differences in timing and composition matter. Erin Keating and Jeremy Robb explain why headline inflation can feel more alarming than the underlying trend, and how consumers and markets are still adjusting rather than reacting.

Consumer behavior, credit access, and market resilience:
Despite softer income growth and economic strain, vehicle demand remains relatively steady. The discussion explores how tax refunds, seasonal sales patterns, and improving credit availability are supporting transaction activity, even as affordability challenges persist.

OEM discipline, inventory dynamics, and industry strategy:
Tight used‑vehicle supply, firm wholesale pricing, and measured incentive activity signal an industry recalibrating around margin discipline and realistic growth. Insights from New York Auto Forum and the New York Auto Show reinforce how automakers are prioritizing affordability, hybrid momentum, and disciplined capital deployment in an uncertain policy and cost environment.

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.

Consumer spending remains unexpectedly strong as the auto market moves through the heart of the spring selling season.

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating is joined by Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb to break down the latest retail spending data, new‑ and used‑vehicle sales performance, and what's shaping demand across the market.

Consumer spending and retail sales trends:
Jeremy explains why overall retail spending remains elevated, including a record month‑over‑month increase in gasoline station sales and the continued impact of tax refunds supporting consumer activity.

New, used, and EV market performance:
The discussion examines year‑to‑date new‑vehicle sales in the context of last year’s tariff‑driven pull‑ahead, cooling but stable used‑vehicle sales, tightening used inventory, and rising prices for top‑selling used vehicles. The episode also highlights improving demand and price retention for used EVs at both retail and wholesale levels.

Market signals and industry developments:
This episode also touches on Federal Reserve leadership updates, wholesale price movement, and retention trends, alongside key industry headlines from major automakers, marketplace expansion, and dealership consolidation activity.

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.

Service departments are no longer just another revenue stream for dealers, they’re a critical inventory funnel, customer relationship engine, and profit driver.

In this special episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating is joined by Alex Bland, Cox Automotive's Sr. Director of Market and Customer Research, to break down new consumer and dealer research exposing what's changed in fixed operations, and how this area is becoming the most critical profit engine for dealers in today’s market.

As vehicle affordability tightens and ownership periods stretch, dealers are losing service share to independents, even as service revenue hits record highs. This conversation explores what’s driving that paradox, where dealers are leaking opportunity, and how trust, transparency, and convenience can turn fixed ops into a powerful retention and sales driver.

In This Episode:

• Why dealers are making more service money, but losing market share
• How convenience, trust, and pricing perception reshape service decisions
• Where service visits unlock sales, trade‑ins, and lifetime value

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.

How are rising gas prices influencing what consumers want, and what they’re willing to buy next?

In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating is joined by Alex Bland, Cox Automotive's Sr. Director of Market and Customer Research and Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox Automotive's Director of Industry Insights, to uncover findings from a recent Cox Automotive consumer survey exploring how fuel price increases are shaping shopping behavior, vehicle consideration, and overall sentiment.

What consumers are telling us right now:
The survey reveals that fuel costs are top of mind for many shoppers, with a majority indicating that rising gas prices are influencing their next vehicle decision, whether that means shifting toward fuel efficiency, delaying a purchase, or accelerating plans to reduce ongoing costs. 

Why hybrids are gaining traction:
Findings show strong interest in hybrids as a more familiar and lower‑risk alternative, offering improved efficiency without the need for a full transition to electric vehicles.

What the data says about EVs and the used market:
The conversation also explores how ongoing affordability pressures, the growing availability of used EVs from off‑lease vehicles, and increasing consumer familiarity with EV technology are contributing to momentum in the used EV market, even as new EV adoption continues to evolve.

The episode also touches on how generational and regional differences shape these trends, and what the latest consumer signals suggest for the path ahead.

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.

Pricing pressures are building across the auto market while inflation remains elevated, labor signals are mixed, and demand continues to adjust rather than retreat.

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating and Chief Economist Jeremy Robb walk through the latest economic signals and explain how broader market pressure is showing up most clearly in vehicle pricing, inventory, and affordability, particularly in the used and used‑EV markets.

Market pressure in context:
Jeremy breaks down the latest CPI and labor market data to set the backdrop for consumer conditions, emphasizing how persistent cost pressures and mixed economic signals continue to influence buying behavior without triggering a sharp market pullback.

Pricing and supply dynamics across the market:
The conversation focuses on tightening used inventory, rising used‑vehicle prices, and why affordability risks are most acute where price‑sensitive buyers are concentrated. New‑vehicle market conditions, incentives, and day‑supply trends add important context to the broader pricing environment.

Tariffs, regulation, and industry strategy:
Erin covers ongoing tariff uncertainty, USMCA enforcement focus, Chinese market barriers, and how compliance costs, supply chain complexity, and Ford’s EV manufacturing strategy are influencing vehicle pricing and long‑term affordability.

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.

How should we really think about mobility, and what does it mean for the future of transportation, ownership, and the automotive industry?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating sits down with Joe George, President of Cox Automotive Mobility Solutions, for a conversation that explores the impacts of changes to mobility, from how goods move across the economy to how affordability, access, and technology are reshaping transportation overall:

Why mobility is bigger than vehicle ownership:
Joe shares a perspective shaped by decades in the industry, emphasizing that transportation is not just about vehicles, but about how both people and products move across the economy, and who ultimately pays for those miles.

How affordability is changing transportation behavior:
As costs rise, both consumers and companies are making decisions based on total cost, shifting how vehicles are used, owned, and integrated into everyday life.

What technology enables, but doesn’t define:
From autonomy to electrification, the conversation explores how technology is accelerating change, while reinforcing that the real question is how these innovations solve practical use cases and improve outcomes.

The discussion also touches on fleet-driven economics, evolving business models, and what leaders should keep in mind as mobility continues to evolve across the industry.

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.

What do newly-released May sales numbers, rising hybrid demand, and shifting consumer behavior reveal about today’s auto market?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Host and Executive Analyst Erin Keating is joined by Jeremy Robb, Cox Automotive’s Chief Economist, to break down May sales performance, evolving demand, and the latest data shaping how the market is responding to ongoing economic pressure:

What May sales reveal about market resilience: 
New vehicle sales improved in May, with stronger performance emerging later in the month and signaling continued stability across the market.

Why hybrid momentum continues to build: 
Automakers offering strong hybrid portfolios are seeing gains as consumers increasingly prioritize fuel efficiency and overall value.

How affordability pressure is reshaping demand: 
Rising fuel costs and elevated inflation are shifting consumer spending patterns, with increased interest in lower-priced and older vehicles pointing to continued trade-down behavior.

The episode also explores evolving industry dynamics, including tariff uncertainty, supply chain risk tied to supplier disruption, and how automakers are adjusting EV strategies in response to changing demand.

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.

What are today’s economic signals really telling us about where the auto market is headed next?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating is joined by Chief Economist, Jeremy Robb, to break down the latest data shaping the market, from interest rate volatility and inflation trends to consumer spending behavior and recent shifts in vehicle sales performance:

What rising rates and inflation mean for affordability: Treasury yields have reached levels not seen in years, driving continued pressure on borrowing costs and influencing how lenders price auto loans across the market.

How consumer spending is holding up, and where it’s shifting: Overall spending remains positive, but rising fuel costs are taking up a larger share of consumer budgets, raising questions about how long that resilience can continue.

Where sales momentum is coming from today: New vehicle sales are showing strength, supported by growing demand for hybrids, while used vehicle values and EV pricing trends reflect tight supply and sustained interest in more efficient options.

The episode also explores key industry developments, from OEM strategy shifts and production challenges to evolving tariff discussions and regulatory activity, offering a clearer view of what these signals could mean for the road ahead.

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.

Gas prices are finally coming down, but how much does that actually improve the total cost of buying and owning a vehicle?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Jeremy Robb break down the latest economic signals shaping the market, from declining fuel costs and improving sentiment to the ongoing pressures tied to inflation, interest rates, and vehicle pricing.

How much lower gas prices really help:
Gas prices have fallen below $4 per gallon, providing some relief for consumers, but fuel is only one part of the overall cost equation.

Why vehicle affordability remains under pressure:
Even as fuel costs ease, elevated interest rates and higher vehicle prices continue to impact monthly payments and purchasing decisions.

What the latest data says about market performance:
New vehicle sales are holding stronger than expected, while used vehicle prices remain elevated, highlighting the ongoing tension between demand and affordability.

The episode also explores key industry developments, including regulatory focus on pricing transparency, continued investment in autonomous technologies, and signals from subprime lending markets.

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.

How are tariffs, global competition, and shifting profit models changing the rules of automotive?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb break down the latest economic data, dealer and automaker earnings, and the broader forces reshaping the automotive industry. While inflation showed signs of easing and the automotive market remains resilient, new challenges are emerging across the global landscape.

Dealer profitability continues to evolve
Public dealer groups reported resilient results, but profitability continues shifting toward fixed operations, parts, service, and F&I as front-end vehicle margins normalize.

Consumer affordability pressures remain a concern
Inflation has moderated, but household budgets continue to face pressure from higher costs, declining savings rates, and increasing reliance on credit.

Global competition is reshaping the industry
While North America remains a critical source of profitability for many manufacturers, Chinese automakers continue to gain influence globally, creating new competitive challenges across international markets.
 

Tariffs are becoming a permanent business consideration
Automakers are increasingly planning around tariffs, supply chain requirements, and trade policy realities rather than treating them as temporary disruptions.

The discussion also explores automaker earnings, fixed operations growth, trade policy, connected vehicle security, supply chain strategy, and the growing role geopolitics plays in shaping the future of automotive competition

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 Cox Automotive Insights.

What opportunities become possible when dealers can connect their data, understand their customers more completely, and put AI to work in meaningful ways?

In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating sits down with Aharon Horwitz, founder of Fullpath, for a wide-ranging conversation about his entrepreneurial journey, the history and evolution of Fullpath, and the role data plays in helping dealers better understand and serve their customers. Together, they explore how disconnected systems create challenges across automotive retail, why customer data has become increasingly valuable, and how organizing that information can unlock more personalized experiences, stronger retention, and better business outcomes.

The Fullpath story and the road to automotive: Aharon shares how his background in startups and technology led to the creation of Fullpath, why the company chose to focus on automotive retail, and how its mission has evolved alongside the industry's growing need for better data management.

Why customer data remains one of the industry's biggest opportunities: The conversation examines the challenges created by fragmented systems and siloed information, and how bringing data together can help businesses better understand customer needs, identify opportunities, and create more relevant engagement.

Building the foundation for AI and automation: As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of the conversation, Aharon explains why successful adoption starts with organized, actionable data. Erin and Aharon discuss how businesses can turn customer signals into meaningful action while improving marketing, retention, and customer experience.

The discussion also explores customer data platforms, service retention, fixed operations, data governance, AI adoption, and how the combination of data, technology, and human expertise can help create stronger customer relationships.

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 Cox Automotive Insights Hub.

With improved access to credit, cooler inflation readings, and stable inventory, what is the outlook for the road ahead?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by recurring guest Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist at Cox Automotive, to break down the latest economic and industry trends shaping the automotive market. From improving credit availability and easing inflation to retail spending patterns and wholesale vehicle values, they explore what recent data signals could mean for consumers, dealers, lenders, and automakers.

Why credit availability is an important economic indicator:
Lender willingness to finance consumers has reached its highest level in years. This episode explores what that says about market confidence and why credit conditions can influence affordability and vehicle demand.

How better-than-expected inflation data is shaping the outlook:
This episode covers June inflation data, which came in lower than expected, with headline CPI improving and several automotive-related cost pressures moving in the right direction.

What inventory levels reveal about today's market:
Stable overall inventory levels are largely attributed to inventory discipline among top-selling automakers, with affordability challenges being increasingly driven by broader household finances rather than vehicle pricing alone.

The episode also covers wholesale vehicle value trends, growing EV supply in the used market, labor developments involving Hyundai and the UAW, changes in lending policy discussions, and other industry developments that could influence the market in the months ahead.

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 Cox Automotive Insights.

How did negative equity become one of the automotive industry's biggest affordability challenges, and what does it mean for consumers and dealers?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Micah Tindor, AVP of Consumer Vehicle Disposal at Cox Automotive, to explore how negative equity became one of the industry's most significant affordability challenges and why its impact is likely to extend far beyond trade-in transactions.

How the industry arrived at today's negative equity problem:
Pandemic-era vehicle shortages, elevated transaction prices, higher interest rates, and longer loan terms lead to a growing number of consumers who are "upside down" on their vehicles. While negative equity itself is not new, the average amount consumers carry today has grown substantially, making it more difficult to absorb into the next purchase.

Why affordability pressures are compounding:
Higher vehicle prices, increased financing costs, and rising insurance premiums are putting additional strain on household budgets. For many consumers, negative equity can mean higher monthly payments, longer loan terms, and greater challenges when attempting to replace or trade in a vehicle.

How dealers can help consumers navigate the challenge:
As more buyers enter dealerships with underwater trade-ins, dealers have an opportunity to play a more consultative role. Leasing, lower-priced vehicle options, and financing flexibility can help consumers work through negative equity challenges.

The discussion also examines the implications for used-vehicle acquisition, lender relationships, insurance costs, consumer sentiment, and the industry's ability to balance affordability with consumer demand in the years ahead.

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 Cox Automotive Insights Hub.

Consumers are still spending, unemployment remains low, and auto sales continue to outperform expectations. But a closer look at the data reveals a more complicated story.

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Jeremy Robb unpack the latest economic indicators, from consumer spending and labor participation to trade negotiations and EV lease economics, to better understand what's really happening beneath the surface.

In This Episode.

Why strong consumer spending may not tell the whole story:
Consumer spending continues to rise, but much of the growth is being driven by necessities while household expenses are increasing faster than income, creating ongoing affordability pressure.

What labor market data is really signaling:
Employment remains strong, but declining labor force participation raises important questions about the true strength of the workforce and where future growth will come from.

How EV lease residuals are reshaping the market:
Negative equity positions are becoming a growing concern for leased EVs, prompting automakers to explore new strategies to retain customers and keep vehicles out of wholesale channels.

The discussion also covers USMCA renewal uncertainty, June sales performance, autonomous vehicle regulation, and the competitive pressures confronting global automakers.

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.

How did the industry's push toward EVs reshape product development, and what are the long-term consequences?

In this special episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by John Murphy, founder of Murphy Automotive Partners, to discuss findings from his newly released automotive product pipeline analysis and the concept he calls the "EV head fake".

How EV investments disrupted the industry's product pipeline:
Murphy explains how regulatory pressure, capital allocation decisions, and shifting market expectations led automakers to redirect resources toward EV programs, resulting in delayed or canceled vehicle programs and the lowest vehicle redesign rates seen in decades.

Why product cadence still matters:
As vehicle ownership cycles lengthen and affordability remains a challenge, automakers are facing a growing disconnect between aging product portfolios and rising vehicle prices, creating headwinds for sales growth and customer retention.

Why hybrids may be a more permanent solution than many expected:
The conversation explores the growing role of hybrids in the U.S. market, how they compare with EV adoption trends, and what increasing powertrain fragmentation means for automakers, suppliers, and dealers.

The discussion also examines dealer profitability, brand survival, supplier relationships, and the importance of understanding the automotive industry as an interconnected ecosystem.

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.

How does the market adapt when shoppers expect one vehicle to deliver utility, efficiency, technology, comfort, and affordability all at once?

In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Vanessa Ton, Senior Manager of Research and Market Intelligence at Cox Automotive, and Sean Tucker, Managing Editor at Kelley Blue Book, to explore the latest findings from the Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch study. The discussion reveals how consumer priorities continue to evolve as affordability becomes an increasingly important consideration, even among luxury shoppers. 

SUVs and hybrids continue to gain momentum

SUV consideration reached its highest level on record, while hybrid consideration also hit a new high. Despite affordability concerns, shoppers continue to prioritize space, utility, and flexibility, increasingly seeking vehicles that can offer fuel efficiency without sacrificing capability. 

Affordability is influencing more purchase decisions

Vehicle prices remain elevated, and affordability has become an increasingly important consideration across the market. While value-conscious brands continue to benefit, consumers are looking beyond price alone and focusing on the overall value a vehicle delivers.

Value means more than lower prices

Brands like Kia, Subaru, Lincoln, and Audi gained consideration by delivering strong value propositions, whether through design, quality, comfort, brand reputation, or accessible luxury. The discussion explores how shoppers are evaluating tradeoffs and redefining what value means in today's market.

The conversation also covers hybrid adoption, EV consideration, luxury and non-luxury shopper behavior, vehicle design trends, brand perception, and what Brand Watch reveals about changing consumer demand. 

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 Cox Automotive Insights.

What happens when consumer spending slows, purchasing power comes under pressure, and automakers adjust their strategies to match a changing market?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb break down the latest economic data, including consumer spending, wage growth, inflation, interest rates, and vehicle sales. While some indicators suggest consumers are becoming more cautious, the broader automotive market continues to show resilience amid changing economic conditions.

Consumer spending is showing signs of slowing
Recent spending data has softened, with retail sales coming in below expectations and consumer spending growth turning negative year over year, raising new questions about the strength of consumer demand.

Purchasing power remains under pressure

Wage growth has remained below inflation for four consecutive months, reducing purchasing power and creating additional challenges for consumers already facing elevated borrowing costs and affordability concerns.

Automakers rethink product, production, and growth strategies
Automakers continue to adjust their product, manufacturing, and sourcing strategies as tariffs, trade policy discussions, and supply chain considerations play an increasingly important role in long-term planning.

The conversation also covers inventory trends, used-vehicle values, trade policy developments, manufacturing decisions, and how brands are rethinking growth opportunities in an increasingly dynamic market.

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 Cox Automotive Insights.

Why is uptime becoming one of the most important metrics in transportation, and what do freight markets reveal about the state of the economy?

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Cox Automotive’s Zo Rahim and Cox Fleet’s Alex Fraser to explore the commercial side of automotive and the growing pressures facing fleet operators. From tightening freight capacity and rising diesel prices to increasing insurance costs and operational complexity, the discussion examines the forces shaping the businesses responsible for moving goods, services, and businesses across America.

Freight markets remain under pressure: While freight rates have improved, much of the recent movement has been driven by tightening capacity rather than a broad-based recovery in demand. The discussion examines what freight conditions reveal about economic activity and why growth remains uneven across industries.

Rising costs continue to challenge operators: Higher fuel prices, increasing insurance expenses, and ongoing operational pressures are creating challenges for carriers, particularly smaller operators and service providers. Even as rates improve, profitability remains under pressure for many businesses in the transportation ecosystem.

Why uptime matters more than ever: For commercial operators, vehicles are revenue-generating assets. Every breakdown, delay, or maintenance issue can disrupt operations and impact the bottom line, making uptime one of the most critical performance metrics in fleet management today.

The discussion also explores predictive maintenance, connected vehicle technology, freight theft, dealer and OEM fleet opportunities, autonomous trucking, electrification, and what fleet operators can teach the rest of the automotive industry about managing assets and maximizing performance.

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Cox Automotive’s Zo Rahim and Cox Fleet’s Alex Fraser to explore the commercial side of automotive and the growing pressures facing fleet operators. From tightening freight capacity and rising diesel prices to increasing insurance costs and operational complexity, the discussion examines the forces shaping the businesses responsible for moving goods, services, and businesses across America.

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 Cox Automotive Insights Hub.