Cox Automotive analysts fear manufacturers and retailers are protecting consumers from the rising costs of new cars, creating an unsustainable dynamic as profitability concerns grow. +

Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index ticked up again in June, reaching 97.3 after rising to 96.5 in May, driven by an approval rate that improved by 70 basis points month-over-month. +

Amid shifting supply-side dynamics, the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index increased by 6.3% year-over-year and 1.6% month-over-month in June. +

The Presidio Group’s latest survey names Toyota the most desirable franchise and finds U.S. dealers remain upbeat about profitability and values despite growing concerns over tariffs. +

Cox Automotive reports the number of dealers offering a fully online transaction has doubled in the past two years, resulting in a more efficient process increasingly driven by AI-powered tools. +

Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index maintained a steady upward course in May, improving to 96.7, a modest month-over-month increase and a nearly three-year high. +

Cox Automotive’s Dealer Sentiment Index ticked downward as economic concerns outweighed strong customer traffic and sales, including a 10-point bump in in-person visits to franchised dealerships. +

The Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index decreased by 1.6% in April after hitting a 45-month high in March. Analysts blame tariffs for rising prices and payments despite strong economic indicators. +

The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index fell from 96.3 in March to 95.7 in April, an 0.7% decrease driven by fewer loans extended to subprime buyers. +

Kelley Blue Book reports U.S. average transaction prices increased by 2.5% for new vehicles between March and April while Carfax finds used units enjoyed an unusually large “spring bounce.” +