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 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.
Watch January, 2026 Market Minute
Duration: 16:41
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market showed resilience in 2025, with new vehicle sales up 2% year-over-year despite challenges like rising expenses and dealer complaints. December marked a significant recovery, leading to the best sales year since 2019.
The U.S. automotive industry is experiencing a significant shift, with U.S. cars finally being exported to the Japanese market after 70 years. This change signifies a potential new era for American automakers in global markets.
The automotive industry is experiencing a natural inventory cycle with a 2x inventory to sales ratio, indicating a rational amount of stock at dealerships. This reflects a balance in the market despite rising prices for cars and parts over the last two years.
Strong tax returns are expected in 2026, potentially boosting the automotive industry's sales during the first quarter. This season presents a significant opportunity for dealerships to capitalize on consumer demand.
Watch December, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 21:45
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is experiencing significant challenges, including payment stretching and declining profitability for dealers. These issues are compounded by consumer concerns over EV depreciation and changing market dynamics.
Recent sales in the automotive market have experienced fluctuations, particularly with EVs showing a temporary spike before a significant downturn in October. The overall sales volume for 2025 is projected to be strong despite these challenges.
Nominal growth is projected to be around 4.8% in 2025, mainly driven by inflation. This growth can help mitigate various economic challenges faced by consumers and businesses alike.
Building friendly relationships with car manufacturers can lead to more economical vehicles for consumers. By adjusting standards, manufacturers could produce more affordable cars, benefiting both dealerships and customers.
Watch November, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 16:19
Market Minute Highlights
Sales pressure isn’t from volume loss, but from rising dealership costs and margin compression, making profitability harder even with similar unit sales.
Leads and appointments continue to decline, while used sales are down and new sales show only minor improvement.
Affordability remains a major challenge as auto loan rates increased despite recent Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Manufacturers have pulled back on incentives, creating uncertainty heading into year-end, though competitive brands may reintroduce offers to gain share.
Consumer demand favors SUVs over cars, leaving compact and midsize vehicles underperforming, especially for certain brands and markets.
Dealers who stay aggressive are gaining share, as pulling back during uncertainty creates opportunity for growth ahead of tax season and 2026.
Watch October, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 19:17
Market Minute Highlights
September saw a mix of high and low automotive market performances, with light truck and EV sales boosting overall numbers despite a significant decline in passenger car sales. Dealers reported increased sales but were frustrated by lower profit margins compared to previous years.
The automotive market has shown variability, with certain manufacturers like Volvo and Tesla struggling while others, such as Stellantis, have begun to recover. The demand for popular models is increasing, suggesting potential growth in sales for 2026.
The subprime auto loan market is experiencing significant distress due to rising delinquency levels, particularly among younger consumers. This situation requires urgent re-evaluation of underwriting practices and loan-to-value ratios.
Rising wages have not kept pace with increasing expenses, leading to a challenging economic situation. Consumers need to be more mindful of their spending habits to secure their financial future.
Watch September, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 17:04
Market Minute Highlights
August was a notable month for dealerships, with many experiencing significant profits despite concerns over inventory shortages. The market dynamics indicate a mixed performance heading into Q4 2025.
The current automotive market is facing challenges with limited supply and high interest rates, affecting both new and used vehicle sales significantly. Manufacturers are providing incentives at a historically low level, impacting consumer purchasing decisions.
Current economic conditions show a challenging environment for consumers, yet auto sales remain robust, indicating resilience in the market. Despite dissatisfaction with living costs, consumers still participate in car purchases.
Lower and middle-income individuals are struggling to get ahead financially as the economic landscape shifts. Despite the challenges, there's optimism about the resilience of consumers moving forward.
Watch August, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 17:12
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is experiencing significant changes with increased leads and tight inventory levels affecting both new and used car sales. Despite challenges, dealer sales remain strong, showing resilience in the market.
New vehicle sales are experiencing significant growth due to aggressive manufacturer incentives on low APR financing. This trend is supported by the overall economic stability and improving job market for US-born workers.
The shrinking workforce is causing challenges for businesses, particularly restaurants, leading to rising wages and difficulties in maintaining profitability. This situation complicates the labor market and limits recovery options.
The decline in the number of drivers on the road has led to an unexpected drop in car accidents, estimated at 8 to 10%. This trend appears consistent across major cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Watch July, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 21:47
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is experiencing various changes due to tariffs and dealership performance. These factors are influencing sales trends and pricing strategies across manufacturers.
American consumers are often paying higher prices for vehicles and other products compared to international markets, due to tariffs and longstanding pricing disparities.
Consumers have adapted to higher vehicle prices and interest rates post-COVID, with many viewing these costs as a normalized aspect of car buying. As a result, the reluctance to purchase new vehicles is decreasing.
The current selling season for dealerships is nearing its end, with only two months left of above-average activity. Experts predict a slowdown in sales for the rest of 2025 due to various market factors.
Consumer behavior is showing a disconnect between sentiment and spending, driven by political dissatisfaction. As a result, survey responses may not reflect actual economic activities accurately.
Watch June, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 19:27
Market Minute Highlights
Ongoing tariffs are significantly affecting the automotive market, stabilizing new vehicle sales while raising concerns about a potential slowdown in the second half of the year.
May showed retail sales down slightly compared to March and April, but still holding steady compared to last year. For the first time in 2025, new vehicle sales dipped below previous year levels. Used vehicle sales followed seasonal patterns but showed stability year-to-date, with a 6% increase compared to last year.
New vehicle supply remains tight but is stabilizing, while used vehicle supplies are beginning to loosen.
Dealers have begun to adopt more aggressive sales strategies and are seeing slight improvements in factory incentives.
Key lessons for dealers include aligning inventory with market demand and addressing consumer concerns over financing, especially for subprime buyers facing high interest rates.
Concerns over the depreciation of electric vehicles and potential repair costs are affecting trade-in values and consumer confidence.
Watch May, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 20:50
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive industry is facing uncertainty, influenced by factors like fluctuating used car prices and tight inventory levels.
New vehicle sales have increased, but consumer confidence is waning due to high interest rates and tariffs, leading to cautious spending.
Experts recommend that dealerships prioritize used cars as a stable market segment in the current climate.
New vehicle sales rose significantly, approximately 21% above the previous year. Used vehicle sales increased by about 15% year-over-year.
New car inventory has significantly decreased, down about 8% year-over-year and 34% compared to 2019.
Focus on acquiring used cars efficiently, leveraging service drives, and incentivizing sales staff to enhance inventory through personal networks.
Watch April, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 21:00
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is currently experiencing significant challenges due to consumer uncertainty and tariffs affecting manufacturers. Companies are scrambling to adapt their strategies amidst these pressures.
Automotive manufacturers are responding differently to market pressures, with some absorbing costs while others are passing them onto consumers.
Retail sales for new and used vehicles have significantly increased this year, with new sales up 9% year-over-year.
Consumer expectations and market sentiment are currently clouded due to political influences, leading to unreliable survey data.
The discussion revolves around the imbalance in trade between the U.S. and China, advocating for fair trade practices.
Watch March, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 14:45
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is experiencing a selloff due to consumer fear and economic instability.
Subprime buyers face lower loan approval rates, affecting consumer sentiment and financial stability.
January saw strong lead volume, allowing dealers to close deals despite economic challenges.
Used car availability is tightening as consumers hold onto vehicles, driving prices higher.
High-quality used cars are scarce, boosting demand for lower-grade options and impacting inflation.
Highlighting horsepower in pickup trucks can be a key sales strategy.
Watch February, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 13:24
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market faces challenges in 2025 due to NAFTA abuses, tariffs, and declining consumer sentiment. Sales have dropped significantly, with new vehicle sales down 19.2% from December. Despite this, used vehicle demand remains strong. Dealers are urged to focus on nurturing potential buyers as opportunities persist in the market.
The economic dependency of Mexico and Canada on the US market is significant, with exports comprising a large portion of their GDP. This reliance is prompting urgent discussions on tariffs and job impacts.
February is often seen as a slow month for vehicle sales, but opportunities still exist for sales teams. Despite factory support challenges, potential buyers remain active in the market.
Retail sales have increased by 10% year-over-year, indicating a recovery in demand. The used vehicle market has seen a notable rise in transactions, highlighting strong consumer interest.
Kia’s brand repositioning in 2021-2022 led to a significant surge in consumer interest, with thousands searching for the new logo. This strategic move effectively engaged consumers and boosted brand visibility.
Watch January, 2025 Market Minute
Duration: 18:28
Market Minute Highlights
The 2025 automotive market faces challenges with declining used car sales and major manufacturers in trouble. Despite aggressive incentives from factories, consumer sentiment is cautious, leading to flat sales.
Tariffs may impact vehicle pricing, and a shift in consumer behavior is anticipated as the market adjusts to higher interest rates.
The automotive market is experiencing a mix of new and used car sales trends as we enter 2025. While new retail sales increased slightly, used sales showed a decline, signaling consumer hesitance.
Inventory levels are showing improvement, with day supply ending 12% above last year. Manufacturers are aggressively promoting sales through low financing options to stimulate consumer interest.
Stellantis and Diesel are struggling with significant declines in sales, affecting overall market performance. Their challenges could have a ripple effect on national sales figures.
There is a significant sentiment among consumers who are delaying vehicle purchases until after January 20th, fearing political implications of their choices. This reflects a deeper uncertainty about market conditions influenced by political events.
Watch December, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 16:17
Market Minute Highlights
Trends in Inventory. New inventory is rising sharply, while used inventory lags, showing a key shift in the market.
Consumer Sentiment. Vehicle sales are growing, driven by positive consumer sentiment, with new sales significantly outperforming last year.
Dealer Strategies. High incentives on premium models reflect efforts to align with rising demand and manage inventory effectively.
Market Valuations. Big Five dealers are seeing high valuations, echoing the late 1990s boom, due to their strong performance and operational efficiency.
Watch November, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 18:10
Market Minute Highlights
Fed Rate Cuts. Rate cuts could make car loans more affordable, impacting vehicle demand.
October Trends. Used car sales rose despite fewer dealership visits, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.
Consumer Sentiment. Sentiment improved despite recession fears, influenced by elections and economic shifts.
Economic Growth. Growth is key to managing debt and stabilizing treasury markets amid challenges.
Watch October, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 21:07
Market Minute Highlights
September 2024 showed mixed results among car dealerships, with some experiencing growth while others struggled due to economic factors.
A tight supply of both new and used vehicles is driving prices up and limiting availability for consumers.
Manufacturers are offering fewer incentives as a result of increasing interest rates, affecting sales strategies.
Rising unemployment rates are diminishing consumer purchasing power, impacting overall vehicle sales.
Recent interest rate cuts may not lead to significant short-term changes in auto loan rates, continuing financial pressure on consumers.
Dealership results, constrained inventory of vehicles, limited manufacturer incentives, and the effects of economic factors on consumer purchasing power.
Watch September, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 12:00
Market Minute Highlights
A new chart! Reasons why it’s a BAD TIME to buy a car?
Big jump in new sales (10%) but Used Sales now down nearly 20% in September!
Supply has tightened and Used Days Supply is about to cross the 2020/21 line.
Consumer sentiment versus adjusted sales rate is a chart you need to see!
Updated University of Michigan car buying survey data and what James thinks is next.
Jobs beat expectations but then are revised. How it’s driving us towards a recession.
Watch August, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 17:10
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market shows mixed signals with rising inventory and changing consumer sentiment.
July saw slight increases in sales and appointments, but recession signs loom as unemployment rises.
Interest rates may be cut, potentially boosting auto sales in the future. Dealers face challenges, with some thriving while others struggle amid shifting market dynamics.
Recent automotive inventory levels have surged, leading to a significant decline in sales as dealers are turning down large allocations. This shift reflects a complex dynamic in the industry.
The consumer plays a crucial role in economic downturns, often feeling the impact first before it affects businesses. If consumers stop spending, it can lead to a rapid economic decline.
Watch July, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 16:32
Market Minute Highlights
Consumer sentiment regarding car purchases is currently low, with significant challenges such as rising interest rates and high vehicle prices impacting buyer intentions.
Raising car part prices and billing rates is essential for maintaining profitability in the automotive industry.
Current low APR financing options, especially 0% offers, are becoming rare as interest rates fluctuate. While average auto loan rates have declined, market conditions remain uncertain.
Economic cycles resemble a game of Jenga, where rate cuts can stabilize or improve market conditions. However, the effects of previous rate hikes are still being felt and adjustments are necessary.
Watch June, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 18:07
Market Minute Highlights
The automotive market is showing signs of improvement, with increased traffic and sales, but dealers are feeling pressure due to decreased profit margins. Consumer confidence remains low despite these positive sales metrics.
Recent data indicates a decline in consumer confidence, suggesting a slow summer ahead as inflation impacts household finances. This trend raises concerns for new car sales and broader economic stability.
The dealership performance for 2024 shows significant improvement compared to previous years, with increased vehicle sales and compressed dealer grosses.
Auto loan rates have increased in 2024, but there are signs that they may have peaked recently.
The average used loan rate has shown a slight decline, indicating potential stabilization.
Watch May, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 13:35
Market Minute Highlights
April saw mixed trends in the automotive market, with traffic and sales declining, yet year-over-year sales remained up.
Consumer sentiment dipped slightly, while oil prices and geopolitical tensions could impact future market conditions.
Despite high interest rates, consumers continue to buy cars, indicating a resilient market.
Current economic indicators present a mixed outlook with signs of both growth and potential recession. Despite these uncertainties, the market shows bullish momentum, especially in an election year.
Recent market trends indicate a potential for earlier rate cuts, positively influencing the auto market, with inventory levels significantly increasing compared to last year. Despite challenges, retail sales remain robust, showing year-over-year growth.
Consumer urgency to purchase vehicles is low due to high interest rates, even though vehicle sales remain up compared to last year. Dealers must offer competitive financing to attract customers from a distance.
Watch April, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 12:13
Market Minute Highlights
March 2024’s automotive market shows mixed trends with improved dealer and consumer sentiment.
While traffic and leads decreased month-over-month, sales increased year-over-year.
Tax refunds are boosting demand, and manufacturers are offering incentives to clear inventory.
Auto loan rates remain high, but potential rate cuts could enhance affordability later this year.
New vehicle sales have shown a significant acceleration in March 2023, surpassing both 2022 and 2023 levels. This trend indicates a return to normalcy in the automotive market.
Current economic conditions reveal that despite job availability, many people are facing financial strain due to rising costs and decreasing savings. This could lead to a significant shift in job stability and affordability in the near future.
Watch March, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 11:15
Market Minute Highlights
February saw a significant increase in automotive sales, driven by tax refunds and consumer spending. Average loan rates rose, impacting affordability.
Despite challenges in commercial real estate and inflation, the market shows resilience, with expectations of continued growth as tax refunds hit consumers, although higher rates may temper demand.
Consumer spending shows positive momentum, but there are concerns regarding rising debt and stagnant income. Despite these concerns, 2024 has started strong, indicating resilience in consumer behavior.
As of early March, consumer sentiment has risen but banks are reacting negatively to the Fed’s prolonged higher interest rates. This situation is causing particular stress in commercial real estate markets.
Used car prices are stabilizing despite expectations of a drop due to increased new vehicle inventory. The balance between supply and demand influences this market dynamic significantly.
Watch February, 2024 Market Minute
Duration: 0:56
Market Minute Highlights
January 2024 saw mixed results in the automotive market, with overall sales declining despite an increase in used leads.
Consumer sentiment fluctuated, and while inventory levels improved, average loan rates remained high.
Dealers are urged to adapt to changing market conditions, particularly regarding new and used vehicle pricing and incentives.
The current market for used vehicles is affected by the limited availability of new cars. As inventory increases, the values of used vehicles are expected to fluctuate significantly over the next 12 to 18 months.
The market is uncertain about future interest rates, with opinions divided between Powell and market predictions.
Used vehicle values may start appreciating as tax season approaches, with expectations of interesting trends over the next few months. However, potential depreciation could follow later in the year due to inventory levels.
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