Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index maintained a steady upward course in May, improving to 96.7, a modest month-over-month increase and a nearly three-year high. +

Cox Automotive’s Dealer Sentiment Index ticked downward as economic concerns outweighed strong customer traffic and sales, including a 10-point bump in in-person visits to franchised dealerships. +

The Cox Automotive/Moody’s Analytics Vehicle Affordability Index decreased by 1.6% in April after hitting a 45-month high in March. Analysts blame tariffs for rising prices and payments despite strong economic indicators. +

The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index fell from 96.3 in March to 95.7 in April, an 0.7% decrease driven by fewer loans extended to subprime buyers. +

Kelley Blue Book reports U.S. average transaction prices increased by 2.5% for new vehicles between March and April while Carfax finds used units enjoyed an unusually large “spring bounce.” +

Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book report March was a good month for new vehicle affordability as sales surged, income growth improved and transaction prices and payments declined. +

Dealertrack (div. Cox Automotive)’s All-Loan Index improved to 96.4% in March, a 3.1% year-over-year gain and the highest level of auto loan access since December 2022. +

Kelley Blue Book reports U.S. sales of new EVs increased by 10% in the first quarter, led in part by 30,000 units moved by General Motors dealers, while sales of market leader Tesla slipped. +

President Donald Trump announced increased tariffs on new vehicles and some parts imported for sale into the United States, effective April 3, a move experts say will raise prices and reduce sales and production. +

Dealertrack’s Credit Availability Index improved 3% year-over-year in February, but negative indicators such as subprime share, term, down payments and negative equity added risk to loan portfolios. +