Cox Automotive Inc

The electrified vehicle story in the first half of 2026 is increasingly a story about hybrids. While the overall U.S. new-vehicle market is expected to decline by 2.2% compared to a year ago, according to Kelley Blue Book counts, hybrid sales are forecast to increase by approximately 9%. Elevated gas prices continue to support demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, and automakers are expanding hybrid offerings across more product lines.

In June 2026, the Dealertrack Credit Availability Index rose to 104.6, its highest level in more than a decade. The All-Loans Index increased 0.9% from May’s 103.6, marking its fifth consecutive monthly increase, and a rise of 7.3% from June 2025. The monthly gain was driven primarily by a sharp improvement in approval rates and a continued uptick in long-term loan share, with a modest widening in the yield spread. A further pullback in subprime share only partially offset those gains.

ATLANTA, July 8, 2026 – Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage- and seasonally adjusted basis) were higher year over year in June as the used-vehicle market closed the first half of 2026 with healthy demand and stable pricing conditions. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) rose to 212.9 in June, an increase of 2.1% from a year ago and 0.1% from May.

The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) rose to 212.9, reflecting a 2.1% increase for wholesale used-vehicle prices (adjusted for mix, mileage, and seasonality) compared to June 2025. The June index is up 0.1% month over month. The long-term average monthly move for June is an increase of 0.5%. Non-adjusted wholesale vehicle prices are now up 2.9% year over year, and down 1.3% against May 2026. The long-term average monthly move in non-adjusted values for June is a decrease of 0.5%.

Independent dealers don’t need a report to tell them the market is tight, they’re living it every day. Inventory is harder to find, more expensive to acquire, and increasingly contested by larger dealers with more scale, capital and access to supply. At NIADA 2026, Cox Automotive’s Michael Browning and Christine Garcia tackled that reality head-on in a session on inventory sourcing strategy.

As holiday celebrations were getting underway last week, we received updates on new automotive sales, jobs and unemployment, consumer confidence, and home prices—all included below in this Auto Market Weekly Summary. Gas prices continue to decline, but now at a lower rate, with prices holding near $3.85 nationwide. We should see lower inflation in the coming months, but higher expenses have driven stagnant real disposable income growth at a time when consumers need it.

The headline is easy to write. The average new vehicle transacts consistently at or around $50,000. It is also easy to understand why that number gets so much attention. The point came through clearly in Cox Automotive’s 2026 Mid-Year Review presentation. The big number matters, but on its own, it can steer the affordability conversation in the wrong direction. Average MSRP—the sticker price—is not simply a measure of how vehicles are priced.

Economic data was a bit light this week, but we did receive key figures on inflation, income and spending growth, and the final reading for Q1 GDP — all included below. Over the last few weeks, despite a lack of clarity on peace negotiations in the Middle East, gas and oil prices have moved lower which should put downward pressure on the rate of inflation growth. Oil prices have continued to move lower in recent weeks as oil tankers resume moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

ATLANTA, June 24, 2026 – The June SAAR is expected to finish near 16.1 million, roughly in line with March, April and May—an unusual period of consistency given recent volatility and high energy prices. June sales volume, forecast at 1.34 million units, will show a gain compared to June 2025, but a decline from May. June has 25 selling days, one more than last year and one less than last month.

The Cox Automotive Q2 2026 2026 Mid-Year Review is now available, offering a comprehensive look at how the U.S. auto market is performing through the first half of the year. The Cox Automotive Economic and Industry Insights team breaks down what’s really driving today’s market — from the growing pressure on consumer purchasing power and its impact on affordability, to shifting inventory and pricing dynamics across new and used vehicles.