Catch A Replay And Stay Ahead.
These videos cover a wide range of topics, including consumer spending patterns, consumer sentiment, vehicle retail sales, financing rates, supply dynamics, price trends, and leading indicators.
Because the race to SELL MORE CARS never slows down!
Watch July, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 15:09
Market Minute Highlights
AI adoption is improving dealership performance, helping convert fewer visitors into more qualified appointments and higher sales.
Consumer demand remains strong, with buyers delaying purchases rather than canceling them, creating positive momentum for the rest of the summer.
Consumers have higher cash reserves, supporting vehicle purchases even as transaction prices and monthly payments remain elevated.
Extended loan terms are becoming the norm, especially for trucks and SUVs, helping buyers manage higher vehicle prices and interest rates.
Dealerships that prioritize digital retailing, transparent pricing, and efficient sales processes are best positioned to capture market share through the remainder of the summer.
Watch June, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 18:27
Market Minute Highlights
Sales are holding, profits aren't. May closed strong on a late-month heater (SAAR ~16.1M units), but dealers report margins are thin. A good month barely producing profit is a warning sign if the market shifts.
It's a selective market, not a weak one. Affordability, fuel costs, and inventory mix now decide who wins. New and used are moving differently, so watch them separately instead of trusting total sales numbers.
Hybrids are surging. Hybrid sales are up nearly 40% since the Middle East conflict began and running about 6x stronger than EVs, driven by gas station spending up ~25% year over year.
Lending tightening is coming. 85% of the market is prime, but delinquencies in the 15% subprime segment are climbing. Expect stricter underwriting soon: more money down and better debt-to-income ratios.
Consumers complaining while buying. "Bad time to buy" complaints spiked again, now extended to historically normal interest rates, yet sales volumes haven't dropped. The 2026 theme continues.
The labor market is the linchpin. 200K+ jobs a month and near-record-low unemployment keep payments flowing, but growth is concentrated in healthcare, government, and hospitality, so wage growth may lag the inflation consumers feel.
Watch May, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 12:47
Market Minute Highlights
April was profitable for many dealers despite a month-over-month sales slowdown and declining used vehicle inventory.
The used car market is becoming more selective, with luxury vehicles and older EVs sitting longer on lots as buyers question their value, reliability, and long-term costs.
Gas prices are expected to rise over the next six months, potentially exceeding $6 per gallon in some areas, which could pressure consumer spending.
A strong labor market continues to support consumers, with unemployment claims near historic lows and energy costs accounting for a smaller share of household spending than in previous decades.
Dealers face a challenging market dynamic: low inventory but slower sales velocity, driven by high auction prices, negative equity, and growing difficulty matching inventory with consumer demand.
Watch April, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 12:12
Market Minute Highlights
Consumer sentiment has fallen to a 45-year low, reflecting growing economic uncertainty and financial pressure.
Oil prices are rising and volatile, creating concerns about consumer spending, confidence, and future loan performance.
New vehicle sales increased 18.2% month-over-month, but remain 9.5% lower year-over-year, signaling mixed market conditions.
Used vehicle sales are up 7.1%, showing consumers are gravitating toward more affordable options.
Consumer confidence and purchasing behavior are disconnected—sentiment is at record lows, yet vehicle sales remain relatively strong.
Strait of Hormuz tensions are impacting oil supply and crude prices, which could contribute to higher auto delinquencies.
Recession risk is elevated, with betting markets assigning a higher probability than traditional financial markets.
$100 billion in tax refunds is expected to drive strong vehicle demand over the next 30 days, creating a key opportunity for dealers to act quickly.
Watch March, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 13:59
Market Minute Highlights
Sales are improving: New car sales are gaining momentum, and used car sales are up 15.3%, though both remain below last year's levels.
Economic pressures remain: Rising oil prices could drive higher interest rates and increase auto loan costs.
Recession concerns persist: The economy continues to expand, but a recession is still expected eventually. Trade deficit trends are improving.
Financing is favorable: Banks are actively offering prime auto loans, creating opportunities for buyers and dealers.
EV challenges, used car opportunities: While EV demand faces headwinds, the used vehicle market remains strong.
Day 54 is critical: Tax refunds are boosting spending, but high negative equity continues to be a major barrier for consumers. Businesses must act quickly to address the gap.
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Watch February, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 14:26
Market Minute Highlights
February 2026 reveals significant challenges in the automotive market, particularly in dealership performance and consumer sentiment.
Used vehicle sales showed a 6% increase in January compared to last year, but concerns remain in the marketplace due to various disruptions.
Upcoming tax returns are expected to provide consumers with about $900 more, potentially leading to a record number of tax returns. However, consumers are facing challenges with negative equity in their vehicles.
The automotive market is shifting with consumers increasingly favoring a diverse range of vehicles, including both small EVs and larger SUVs. This transition is influenced by factors like depreciation and market expectations.
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