The Auto Market Brief

Cox Automotive
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The Auto Market Brief, powered by Cox Automotive, breaks down the latest trends and forecasts shaping the automotive industry. The show is hosted by Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating, coupling years of experience translating data and trends with the data and industry insights of the largest automotive services and technology provider. Joined by other Cox Automotive experts and outside guests, you’ll get data-driven insights and industry outlooks from some of the industry’s leading voices.​

  1. 59m ago

    Diesel Hits Record Highs, Credit Availability Improves, and the Industry Balances Innovation and Investment

    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.

  2. 5d ago ·  Bonus

    FTC Pricing Rules Make Headlines, but the Real Story Is Transparency and Trust

    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.

  3. Sep 2

    Consumer Spending Slows Again, Tariff Uncertainty Looms, and Manufacturers Rethink Production

    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.

  4. Aug 27 ·  Bonus

    Shoppers Want It All, Including Affordability

    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.

  5. Aug 18

    Consumers Pull Back, Wage Growth Trails Inflation, and Automakers Adapt

    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.

  6. Aug 13 ·  Bonus

    Freight Pressures, Rising Costs, and Why Uptime Matters More Than Ever

    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.

  7. Aug 4

    A New Automotive Market: Tariffs Persist, Chinese Competition Grows, and Profitability Shifts

    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.

  8. Jul 28 ·  Bonus

    Why AI Is Only as Good as Your Data

    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.

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About

The Auto Market Brief, powered by Cox Automotive, breaks down the latest trends and forecasts shaping the automotive industry. The show is hosted by Cox Automotive Executive Analyst Erin Keating, coupling years of experience translating data and trends with the data and industry insights of the largest automotive services and technology provider. Joined by other Cox Automotive experts and outside guests, you’ll get data-driven insights and industry outlooks from some of the industry’s leading voices.​

Information

  • Creator
    Cox Automotive
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Cox Automotive. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Auto Market Brief

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