Cars Commerce's Industry Insights Report Shows a Stabilizing Market; Ford, Chevrolet and Honda Drive Balanced New-Car Inventory Levels in August

Rhea-AI Summary

Cars Commerce's August Industry Insights Report reveals a stabilizing automotive market. New-car inventory shows significant growth, with Ford (50% YoY), Chevrolet (47% YoY), and Honda (74% YoY) leading the way. The used-car market is leveling out, with prices down 5% YoY and relatively flat since April.

Key findings include:

• New-vehicle prices are leveling out
• Used-car inventory is down 13% compared to five years ago
• Vehicles under $20,000 increased 19% YoY
• Used EVs face pricing volatility, with Tesla and Rivian experiencing significant trade-in value declines
• The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut may encourage more consumers to purchase vehicles

Positive

• Ford, Chevrolet, and Honda experienced significant inventory growth YoY
• New-vehicle prices are stabilizing, indicating a more balanced market
• Vehicles priced under $20,000 increased 19% YoY in the used-car market
• Federal Reserve's interest rate cut may stimulate consumer purchases

Negative

• Used-car prices fell 5% year over year
• Dealers are holding used inventory longer, averaging 53 days
• Used-vehicle inventory is down 13% compared to five years ago
• Used EV prices are volatile, with Tesla and Rivian trade-in values declining significantly

Market Research Analyst

The automotive market is showing signs of stabilization, with a more balanced supply-demand dynamic emerging. New car inventory levels for major brands like Ford (50% YoY increase), Chevrolet (47%) and Honda (74%) have significantly improved, indicating a potential shift in market dynamics. This increased supply could lead to more competitive pricing and better options for consumers.

In the used car market, we're seeing a 5% YoY price decrease, with prices remaining relatively stable since April. The average days-on-lot for used vehicles has increased to 53, suggesting a more cautious consumer approach. Interestingly, there's a 19% YoY increase in vehicles priced under $20,000, potentially opening up opportunities in the budget-friendly segment.

The EV market is experiencing notable volatility, particularly in the luxury segment, with Tesla and Rivian seeing significant declines in trade-in values. This could impact consumer confidence in EV investments and potentially slow adoption rates in the short term.

Financial Analyst

The stabilizing automotive market presents a mixed financial outlook. The increase in new car inventory suggests potential revenue growth for manufacturers and dealers, but it may also lead to margin pressure as competition intensifies. The recent Federal Reserve interest rate cut could stimulate consumer demand, potentially offsetting this pressure.

In the used car segment, the 5% YoY price decrease and longer holding periods (53 days on average) might squeeze dealer profits in the short term. However, the 19% growth in sub-$20,000 vehicles could attract budget-conscious buyers, possibly increasing sales volume.

The EV market volatility, particularly the sharp declines in Tesla (22%) and Rivian (19%) trade-in values, may impact investor confidence in the EV sector. This could lead to reassessment of valuations and investment strategies in automotive stocks, especially those heavily invested in EV technology.

Used-Car Market Levels Out Amid Softening Trade-In Values and Increased Inventory

CHICAGO, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cars.com Inc. (NYSE: CARS) (d/b/a "Cars Commerce."), an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry, outlines shifts in the automotive industry in its August Industry Insights Report. This comprehensive report, crafted by Cars Commerce's expert data analysts, delves into macro and micro automotive market insights by analyzing supply, demand, pricing and consumer behavior data from across the company's platform, including Cars.com^®, Dealer Inspire^® and Accu-Trade^®. 

"August marks another milestone in the automotive industry's return to normalcy. After nearly two years of tight inventory levels and inflated prices, we're seeing more balance between supply and demand, especially as new-vehicle prices level out," said Rebecca Lindland, senior director of industry data and insights at Cars Commerce. "Brands like Ford, Chevrolet and Honda are well positioned and leading with the right inventory mix to meet demand. We're heading toward a more predictable automotive market as available supply, and now the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut offers more consumers a reason to come off the sidelines and purchase."

Supply Growth Drives Market Stability

Brands like Ford, Chevrolet and Honda experienced notable increases in inventory compared to 2023. Ford saw 50% year-over-year inventory growth, led by high-demand models like the F-250, Escape and Bronco. Chevrolet wasn't far behind with 47% year-over-year growth, buoyed by the rollouts of the new-to-market Blazer EV and Equinox EV. Honda rounded out the top three with a staggering 74% inventory increase year over year, driven by popular models like the CR-V, HR-V and Pilot.

Used-Car Market Stabilizes as Trade-In Values Soften

The used-car market is experiencing less year-over-year volatility with supply and demand. Used-car prices fell 5% year over year, while average prices have remained relatively flat since April. Trade-in values have also softened. Dealers are holding inventory longer — 53 days on average — as consumers wait for better pricing. Despite the slow turnover, used-vehicle inventory is down 13% compared to five years ago. However, there are some areas of growth: Vehicles priced under $20,000 increased 19% year over year.

Pricing volatility continues to plague used EVs, with Tesla (down 22%) and Rivian (down 19%) accounting for two of the top four highest declines in trade-in values among luxury EV brands.

To download the full report, visit www.carscommerce.inc.

*Inventory, searches and list price on Cars.com.

ABOUT CARS COMMERCE^™

Cars Commerce^™ is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. Cars Commerce^™ simplifies everything about car buying and selling with powerful products, solutions and AI-driven technologies that span pretail, retail and post-sale activities – enabling more efficient and profitable retail operations. The Cars Commerce^™ platform is organized around four industry-leading brands: the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com^®, award-winning technology and digital retail technology and marketing services from Dealer Inspire^®, essential trade-in and appraisal technology from Accu-Trade^®, and exclusive in-market media solutions from the Cars Commerce Media Network. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc.

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SOURCE Cars Commerce

FAQ

What were the inventory growth rates for Ford, Chevrolet, and Honda in August 2024 according to Cars Commerce's report?

According to Cars Commerce's August 2024 report, Ford saw 50% year-over-year inventory growth, Chevrolet had 47% growth, and Honda experienced a 74% inventory increase compared to the previous year.

How has the used-car market changed according to Cars Commerce's August 2024 report?

Cars Commerce's August 2024 report indicates that the used-car market is stabilizing, with prices down 5% year-over-year and remaining relatively flat since April. However, dealers are holding inventory longer, averaging 53 days, and overall used-vehicle inventory is down 13% compared to five years ago.

What trends did Cars Commerce (NYSE: CARS) observe in the EV market in their August 2024 report?

Cars Commerce's August 2024 report noted pricing volatility in the used EV market, with Tesla and Rivian experiencing significant declines in trade-in values. Tesla's trade-in values were down 22%, while Rivian's were down 19%, representing two of the top four highest declines among luxury EV brands.

How might the Federal Reserve's recent action impact the automotive market according to Cars Commerce's August 2024 report?

Cars Commerce's August 2024 report suggests that the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut may encourage more consumers to enter the market and purchase vehicles, potentially stimulating automotive sales.