Current developments affecting vehicle supply, pricing, repair costs, dealer activity, parts and labor. Updated as the evidence changes.
New since October 14: 1 verified update. Earlier intelligence remains below.
Import prices increased 1.1% in September. Nonfuel import prices rose 0.7% for the month and have not posted a monthly decline since August 2025.
DevelopingMarket DemandThrough September, battery-electric sales were down 29.2% from a year earlier while conventional hybrid sales were up 22.4%, NADA reports.
New ruleRegulationFederal regulators finalized a 2031 fleet target of 34.9 miles per gallon, well below the prior 50.4 mpg target, while ending credit trading by 2028.
SofteningSupplyU.S. motor-vehicle assemblies fell to about a 10.43 million annual rate from 10.81 million in July.
MixedLaborMotor-vehicle and parts dealers lost about 900 jobs in August; automobile dealers lost 3,600 while parts/accessories/tire retailers added jobs.
PersistentServiceMotor-vehicle maintenance and repair prices were up 5.2% year over year; maintenance and servicing was up 7.9%.
DivergingPricingNew-vehicle consumer prices were up 0.6% year over year in August; used cars and trucks were down 2.3%.
Import prices rise again, with nonfuel costs up 6% over a year
Watch: October import-price indexes due November 17; nonfuel price changes by product category; landed costs including duties and shipping; and supplier lead times.
Evidence: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — September import/export price indexes, October 16
Earlier evidence: National Automobile Dealers Association