Advertise on podcast: The Auto Market Brief

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb to examine the latest Federal Reserve updates, wholesale market trends, and the economic forces helping support continued vehicle demand. They also explore several significant regulatory developments that could affect dealers, lenders, automakers, and consumers in the months ahead. Fed Signals and Consumer Impact Jeremy breaks down the Federal Reserve's latest rate decision, what surprised markets in the Fed's economic projections, and how policymakers continue balancing inflation concerns against a resilient economy. The discussion also explores how higher interest rates affect vehicle affordability and how perceptions of higher borrowing costs can affect vehicle purchase decisions. Wholesale Market Trends and Diesel Price Pressures The conversation also explores the wholesale market, where the latest Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index shows prices softening modestly year over year. Jeremy explains emerging depreciation patterns, including the outsized impact of one-year-old vehicles and how elevated fuel costs are influencing full-size trucks, SUVs, and diesel-powered vehicles across the market. Financial Assets, Consumer Wealth and Market Resilience New research on the growth of financial assets and the increasing role of the wealth effect in supporting consumer spending. The discussion highlights how rising asset values, retirement demographics, and changing buyer profiles may be helping explain the resilience of the automotive market despite affordability challenges and economic uncertainty. The episode also covers new FTC pricing guidance for dealers, finalized IRS rules surrounding auto loan interest deductions, minimum advertised pricing developments, and the latest legislative effort to require AM radio in new vehicles. 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.

Consumer sentiment remains one of the most watched economic indicators, but it is only one piece of the consumer story. In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Kayla Bruun, Head of Economic Analysis at Morning Consult, to examine why sentiment alone does not tell the complete consumer story. They compare Morning Consult’s Index of Consumer Sentiment with its Consumer Health Index, which combines personal financial sentiment with high-frequency labor-market data to provide a more grounded signal of real-time demand. Looking Beyond Consumer Sentiment Consumer sentiment measures continue to receive significant attention from economists, investors, and business leaders, but Erin and Kayla explain why sentiment alone rarely tells the complete story. The conversation explores how attitudes, financial health, labor-market conditions, and real-world spending behavior can move on different timelines. Using Morning Consult's Index of Consumer Sentiment and Consumer Health Index as examples, they discuss why broader measures of consumer health often provide a clearer view of underlying demand than sentiment headlines alone. A Consumer Economy Moving at Different Speeds The conversation examines the continued divide between income groups and how those differences are shaping spending patterns. While higher-income households have experienced sharper declines in sentiment, they have continued supporting spending in categories such as travel and experiences, even as many become more price conscious and seek savings on everyday purchases. The episode also explores the evolving role of middle-income consumers and recent improvements among certain younger and lower-income segments. What Price Responses Reveal About Vehicle Demand Kayla introduces Morning Consult's new price-response indicators, which track whether consumers absorb higher prices, walk away from purchases, or trade down to lower-cost alternatives. For automotive leaders, the data reveals continued vehicle consideration despite rising price sensitivity and greater evidence of trading down. The discussion highlights how replacement demand, affordability pressures, and shifts between new- and used-vehicle purchases may influence automotive demand in the months ahead. The episode also covers gas prices, inflation, consumer savings, labor-force participation, age-related spending trends, AI-related workplace concerns, vehicle affordability, new- and used-vehicle demand signals, and the indicators industry leaders should monitor over the next six to twelve months.   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.

Diesel prices have reached record highs, credit availability continues to improve, and automotive leaders are facing new questions about where to invest for the future. In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating and Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb discuss the latest economic indicators, including credit availability, inflation, diesel prices, real wage growth, and vehicle affordability. While lenders continue to expand access to credit and support vehicle demand, rising fuel costs and inflation pressures are creating new challenges for consumers and the broader economy.Diesel prices reach record highs Diesel prices climbed above six dollars per gallon, driving concerns about transportation costs, inflation expectations, and the broader cost of goods throughout the economy. Erin and Jeremy examine why diesel remains one of the most important indicators influencing transportation costs, inflation expectations, and the cost of goods throughout the economy. Credit availability continues to improve While affordability challenges persist, lenders are showing a greater willingness to extend credit, helping support vehicle demand across the market. The discussion explores what's driving that trend, including lender confidence, improved financing conditions, and the relative stability of vehicle values in recent years. The industry faces tough questions about investment and innovation As technology investments become more expensive and competition intensifies, automotive companies are being forced to make increasingly difficult decisions about where to invest capital and how to scale new technologies. The discussion explores autonomous vehicle deployment, regulatory oversight, the rising cost of technology investments, and how manufacturers are evaluating where to allocate capital for future growth. The episode also covers CPI inflation, real wage growth, rising transportation costs, vehicle affordability, Volkswagen's portfolio strategy, Tesla's Cybercab rollout, NHTSA oversight, and the forces shaping the future of automotive technology and investment. 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.

Is the industry's move toward more transparent pricing a response to FTC pricing rules, or a shift that was already underway? In this bonus episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Erin Lomax, Vice President of Operations for Consumer Marketplaces at Cox Automotive, to discuss the growing focus on all-in pricing and why pricing transparency is becoming increasingly important for both shoppers and dealers. While FTC regulation enforcement has brought new urgency to the conversation, the discussion explores how consumer expectations around pricing clarity have been evolving for years, and how dealers may have already been adapting. Transparent pricing builds shopper confidence Shoppers are not simply looking for the lowest advertised price. According to Cox Automotive's marketplace data, listings with fee-inclusive pricing are generating stronger engagement, more leads, and more value actions, suggesting that consumers increasingly reward clarity and confidence throughout the shopping journey. Trust may become a competitive advantage As affordability remains a concern for many vehicle shoppers, unexpected fees can create uncertainty and disrupt purchasing decisions. This conversation explores why transparency is becoming more than a compliance requirement and how it can help strengthen consumer trust and create competitive advantages for dealers. Operational consistency matters just as much as disclosure For dealers, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining consistent pricing and fee information across inventory systems, websites, marketplaces, digital retailing tools, and other consumer touchpoints. The conversation examines how better fee management processes can simplify operations while improving the shopper experience. The discussion also covers all-in pricing, dealer workflows, inventory management, digital retailing, marketplace engagement, fee-inclusive listings, consumer behavior, and how the industry is responding to evolving expectations around transparency. 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, trade policy remains uncertain, and automakers begin reassessing where vehicles are built? In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating and Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb examine the latest economic indicators, including new Q2 GDP readings, personal income data, consumer spending, inflation, and used-vehicle market activity. While income growth remains positive and vehicle demand continues to show resilience, signs of softer consumer spending have raised new questions about the economic outlook. Consumer spending slows for a second consecutive month Personal income growth remained solid, but spending growth moderated again, highlighting the ongoing pressure many consumers face as affordability challenges persist. The discussion explores what these trends may signal for the broader economy and automotive demand. Tariff uncertainty continues to influence business decisions As discussions around Canadian imports, USMCA, and future trade policy continue, automakers are watching closely. The conversation explores why product and production strategy may matter as much as the tariffs themselves when companies make long-term investment and production decisions. Manufacturers are rethinking production strategies From Honda and Nissan to Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar Land Rover, several manufacturers are making decisions that reflect changing views on production, localization, capacity planning, and supply chain resilience. The episode also covers inflation, Jackson Hole Symposium expectations, Manheim Market Report trends, used-vehicle demand, August sales expectations, and the broader forces shaping today's automotive 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.

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 slowingRecent 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 strategiesAutomakers 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.

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.

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.