Used Market Improves as New Holds Steady
Improved inventory buoys the former while the new-vehicle market shows balance.

The overall used-vehicle inventory is still considered 'tight,' Cox Automotive says.
IMAGE: Pexels/Sarmad Mughal
U.S. used-vehicle inventory hit a high for the year in July, when new-vehicle inventory was flat as production and sales balanced each other, Cox Automotive said.
There were 2.25 million units between franchised and independent dealers at the end of the month, up 13% month-over-month, though still down 9% year-over-year.
Used-vehicle prices and days’ supply fell in the fuller inventory environment to an average listing price of $27,028 and days supply of 45, which was still down 12% year-over-year. Cox said it’s been shifting since April in the mid- to high 40s.
The average listing price was down 4% year-over-year.
“Used-vehicle inventory has seen an improvement since March, but the overall inventory volume is still considered tight,” said Cox Senior Manager of Economic and Industry Insights Chris Frey.
“Days’ supply, at 45, is on par with levels seen in 2019, but there has been a decline over the last several weeks, owing to increased used retail sales. Usually, we’d expect days’ supply to increase through year-end, but moderating prices and surprising summer demand may keep inventory numbers down.”
Meanwhile, new-vehicle inventory ended July at 1.96 million units, down just slightly month-over-month but 71% higher year-over-year. Days’ supply stood at 56, the same as June and 39% higher year-over-year. That’s nearly at the level the industry considers normal – 60 days.
The average listing price for new models was a hair over $47,000, holding steady with the level seen since April.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

New-Vehicle Prices Stay Put
Affordability pressures and model availability shaped new-vehicle sales in September, according to an analysis by Kelley Blue Book.
Read More →
EV Buyer Consideration Shifts
What drives American consumers to purchase an electric vehicle is shifting as the question moves away from Should I?' to 'Which features and experience do I want to have?'
Read More →
Year-to-Date Auto Sales Holding Their Own
A forecast through August shows that automakers have shifted strategies to keep deliveries and revenues up despite tariffs and other economic challenges.
Read More →
Slow to Robo
Ten years of polling consumers shows autonomous vehicles’ profiles have risen considerably, but even more people now want at least some level of control if they go that route.
Read More →
Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →