Category: AutomotiveUnited States

March Auto Sales Hit 2026 High as Year-Ago Pull-Ahead Skews Annual Comparisons

2026-03-25

jillian.breska

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for March 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,372,877, a 11.4% decrease year-over-year, and a 11.9% increase from February 2026, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. March 2026 has 25 selling days, one fewer than March 2025. Reporting the same numbers without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 14.8% from March 2025.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 16.0 million units, down 2.1 million units from March 2025, and up 470,306 units from February 2026.

New vehicle total sales for Q1 2026 are projected to reach 3,655,500 units, a 7.4% decrease from Q1 2025 when adjusting for the number of selling days.

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for March 2026 are projected to reach 1,120,601, a 13.3% decrease from March 2025 and a 14.3% increase from February 2026. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 16.6% from 2025.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for retail new-vehicle sales is expected to be 13.1 million units, down 2.1 million units from March 2025 and up 391,242 units from February 2026.  

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power:
“Vehicle sales in March are on pace to deliver the best monthly results seen so far this year, with total sales expected to reach 16 million units on an annualized basis. However, comparison to March of last year presents a far less positive picture, with total sales down 11.4%, and retail sales down 13.3%. This apparent contradiction is really a technical anomaly  – March 2025 sales were inflated by consumers who rushed to showrooms in anticipation of a big increase in vehicle prices due to tariffs. In fact, the rush to showrooms last March resulted in a total annualized sales pace of 18.1 million, the highest of any month in 2025 and well above the full-year sales pace of 16.3 million. Said differently, the usual focus on year-over-year sales changes is not helpful in understanding the underlying health of consumer demand for new vehicles this month.    

“Putting aside last year’s results, March 2026 shows continued strong demand for new vehicles, despite concerns around fuel prices and economic uncertainty. In fact, March results would have been even stronger were it not for unusually low availability of one of the industry’s best-selling vehicles. Furthermore, the elimination of Federal Electric Vehicle credits is a headwind that the industry has had to overcome as consumers interested in an EV face higher prices.

“While demand remains strong, new vehicle affordability remains the primary barrier to higher vehicle sales. Average retail transaction prices are expected to rise 2.5% to $45,859 from a year ago.  In aggregate, manufacturers incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $3,325, which is $165 higher than a year ago. However, the changes in average discounts are heavily influenced by the decline in EV sales. Discounts on EVs are expected to average $11,258 in March, down $940 compared with March 2025. Meanwhile, discounts on non-EVs are projected at $3,030, an increase of $353 from last year. As a percentage of MSRP, discounts on non-EVs are at 6.0% in March, up 0.6 ppts from a year ago.  The increased availability of discounts on non-EVs was expected, as manufacturers have greater latitude to incentivize the purchase of non-EVs due the higher profit margins they earn on those vehicles relative to EVs.”

Higher average prices are translating to higher monthly payments, with the average monthly finance payment reaching $805, up $38 from a year ago and the highest ever for the month of March. In response, more consumers are turning to 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 12.5 percent of financed sales this month compared to 10.6 percent a year ago. 

Easing interest rates and strong used-vehicle values are providing some relief to buyers facing elevated monthly payments. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans in March is 6.55 percent, a decrease of 36 basis points from a year ago. 

“The average used-vehicle price is $30,166, up $860 from a year ago. This reflects the continued low supply of recent model-year used vehicles due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic. The ongoing strength of used-vehicle prices continues to assist new-vehicle buyers who have a trade-in.  The average trade-in equity in March is $6,869, down $240 from a year ago but still high from a historical perspective.  Still, the number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 30.5 percent—an increase of 4.2 percentage points from March 2025 as consumers who purchased during the peak of inventory shortages 4 years ago return to market.

“Regarding total consumer spending on new vehicles, the elevated transaction prices in March aren’t enough to offset the inflated sales pace a year ago.  Consumers are on track to spend $49.4 billion on new vehicles this month, 13.9 percent lower than a year ago.”

For retailers, profit per unit—which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income—is expected to be $2,452, up $26 from March 2025 and up $80 from February 2026.  Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $2.6 billion, down 15.1 percent from last year, with decline again driven by last year’s inflated sales pace.

“Looking ahead, interpreting year-over-year results will remain unusually challenging for most of the year, as the industry continues to work through the aftereffects of two major pull-ahead events in 2025. The first was the tariff-driven rush to showrooms in March and April, when approximately 173,000 additional purchases were pulled forward, followed by a payback period that weighed on subsequent months. The second was the EV pull-ahead ahead of the Sept. 30 expiration of federal EV tax credits, which temporarily inflated EV demand in late summer before shifting to a payback dynamic that persisted into the fall. As a result, simple year-over-year comparisons will remain inherently noisy—reflecting the timing of these events more than underlying demand—until the industry fully laps both events. In practical terms, it will most likely be late in the year before comparisons return to a more normalized pattern and provide a clearer read on market momentum.”

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. NEW VEHICLE	MARCH 20261, 2	FEBRUARY 2026	MARCH 2025
Retail Sales	1,120,601 units  (13.3% lower than March 2025)2	940,844 units	1,343,555 units
Total Sales	1,372,877 units (11.4% lower than March 2025)2	1,177,789 units	1,611,159 units
Retail SAAR	13.1 million units	12.7 million units	15.2 million units
Total SAAR	16.0 million units	15.5 million units	18.1 million units
1 Figures cited for March 2026 are forecasted based on the first 17 selling days of the month. 2 March 2026 has 25 selling days, one fewer than March 2025.

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 252,276 units in March, down 2.0% from March 2025. Fleet volume is expected to account for 18.4% of total light-vehicle sales, up 1.8 percentage points from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 75.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from a year ago. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 15.5% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 2.2 percentage points. Electric vehicles (EV) are expected to account for 6.9% of sales, down 1.9 percentage points, while Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 1.4% of sales, down 1.0 percentage points from March 2025.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 55.6% of sales in March, up 4.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.22 million units, a 4.5% increase from March 2025.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 69 days in March, up from 5 days from a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in March is expected to reach $45,859, up $1,102 from March 2025. The transaction price as a percentage of MSRP was 89.2% in March, down 0.3 percentage points from a year ago. The average new-retail transaction price for ICE/Hybrid vehicles is expected to reach $45,634, up $1,228 from March 2025. The average new-retail transaction price for EVs is expected to reach $45,287, up $110 from March 2025.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $49.4 billion on new vehicles, down $8.0 billion from March 2025.
• Average incentive spending per unit in March is expected to reach $3,325, up $165 from March 2025. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to increase to 6.5%, up 0.2 percentage point from March 2025. Average incentive spending per unit for ICE/Hybrid vehicles is expected to reach $3,030, up $353 from March 2025. Average incentive spending for EVs is expected to reach $11,258, down $940 from March 2025.
• Leasing is expected to account for 22.9% of sales this month, down 0.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 55 days in March, down from 57 days a year ago.
• 28.7% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in March, down 2.6 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $805, up $38 from March 2025. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 6.55%, down 0.36 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in March, average used-vehicle retail prices are $30,166, up $860 from a year ago.
• Trade-in equity is trending towards $6,869 this month, which is down $240 from a year ago.
• 30.5% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 4.2 percentage points from March 2025.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 12.5% of finance sales this month, up 1.9 percentage points from March 2025.

Electrification Outlook

Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of OEM customer success at JD Power:
“As noted above, EV share is holding in the mid-6% range, nearly two points below last year and well off the high driven by changes in U.S. policy in Q3 2025. 

The pullback is concentrated in the mass market, where EV share contracted to 1.9% from 4.0% a year ago. In contrast, EVs represent over 26.4% of premium sales year to date – a figure which includes direct-to-consumer brands – and only 5 ppts below last year’s pace.”

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“February global light-vehicle sales are estimated to have decreased 1.9% year over year to 6.6 million units. Most major markets saw declines, but a particularly notable contraction in China meant that the global industry was unlikely to match year-ago levels. The selling rate for February was estimated at 80.8 million units, down from 96.4 million units in December. 

“Sales in China decreased around 13.4% year over year in February, as the effects of the government’s move to tighten access to subsidies for electrified vehicles were apparent, with some lower-cost models now ineligible for the scheme. In addition, there is now a 5% tax imposed on EVs and plug-in hybrids, likely further cooling demand. Meanwhile, European countries also saw declines in February, with the key German market impacted by rising unemployment and a sluggish economic outlook.

“March sales are expected to decrease 5.5% from March 2025. Once again, China is likely to be a major contributor to the year over year loss, with last year’s robust sales now providing a high base effect, something which could be a feature of 2026. On the other hand, India is likely to see strong growth in March, as tax reductions implemented in September 2025 continue to generate year over year gains. The global selling rate is expected to reach 89.3 million units in March, up slightly from a rate of 89.2 million units in March 2025.

“Our forecast for total global sales in 2026 stands at 93.5 million units, up 1.9% year over year. Our Chinese sales outlook has been revised down by around 300k units on the back of weaker momentum in the new year. Although China should still see some growth in 2026, developing markets such as India will also contribute significantly to the global expansion in light-vehicle sales this year, while most mature markets are expected to see a flat outcome or only modest gains.”

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

About GlobalData: https://www.globaldata.com/

 

JD Power Maintains 2026 New-Vehicle Sales Forecast, Asserts Ongoing Industry Resilience

2026-03-31

jillian.breska

• Total U.S. new-vehicle sales forecast holds at 16.3 million for 2026
• Auto industry has become more resilient to exogenous volatility and shock events
• Q1 seasonally adjusted sales rates (SAAR) historically lag full-year volumes

TROY, Mich.: 31 March 2026 — JD Power, a leading provider of proprietary data, advanced analytics, deep industry expertise and insights that drive the global auto industry, presented an updated auto industry outlook to kick off the New York International Auto Show, today. The outlook, which maintains the 2026 forecast JD Power presented earlier this year, projects 16.3 million total new-vehicle sales. Delivered as part of the annual Automotive Forum, hosted jointly by NADA, JD Power and the New York International Auto Show, the presentation showcased new data and insights tracking the auto industry’s response to geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, plus the underlying dynamics driving new vehicle sales.

“The global auto industry has evolved significantly over the past few years, proving its agility and resilience in response to market shocks, and this year is no different,” said Thomas King, president, JD Power OEM Solutions. “Importantly, demand for new vehicles remains robust, despite economic uncertainty associated with the current situation in the Middle East and rising fuel prices. While higher fuel prices are unquestionably impacting the finances of American households, the effect they have on new vehicle buyers is being softened by the improved fuel economy available from today’s vehicles compared to vehicles being traded in.  Furthermore, the significant rise in new vehicle prices, and the higher household income required to afford them, indicates that today’s new vehicle buyers are less vulnerable to fuel price volatility than in prior periods.    

“There is no doubt that the current situation in the Middle East will make things more difficult to predict over the near-term, and the longer-term risks to auto sales are material, but the fundamentals are strong for a solid year in 2026.” 

Following are some of the key observations and data points highlighted in King’s presentation: 

• Auto industry more resilient than ever: The auto industry continues to demonstrate increased resilience, supported by more adaptive planning, diversified supply strategies, and improved operational flexibility. These capabilities have strengthened the industry’s ability to respond effectively to shifting conditions.
• Full-year sales outlook holds at 16.3 million units: Monthly new-vehicle retail sales reached 1,120,601 in March 2026, their highest levels of the year, underscoring strong demand for new vehicles despite concerns around fuel prices and economic uncertainty. While year-over-year comparisons are complicated by the market volatility we saw in 2025 following the introduction of tariffs, the underlying health of consumer demand for new vehicles remains solid.
• Used market strength supports trade-ins: The average used-vehicle price is $30,166, up $860 from a year ago. This reflects the continued low supply of recent model-year used vehicles due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic. The ongoing strength of used-vehicle prices continues to assist new-vehicle buyers who have a trade-in.
• Affordability challenges create headwinds, but manufacturers have room to move: While demand remains strong, new vehicle affordability is the primary barrier to higher vehicle sales. Average retail transaction prices are expected to rise 2.5% to $45,859 from a year ago. In aggregate, manufacturers’ incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $3,325, which is $165 higher than a year ago, suggesting that manufacturers still have more room to incentivize the purchase of new vehicles.
• New vehicle buyers are less vulnerable to fuel price volatility than in prior periods: Even as fuel prices rise, improved fuel economy in newer vehicles has helped keep monthly fuel costs relatively stable for new vehicle buyers. On a relative basis, fuel cost as a percentage of financed monthly payments for gasoline-powered vehicles remains below levels observed four years ago, indicating that today’s buyers are less vulnerable to fuel price fluctuations.

For more information about JD Power solutions for automotive OEMs, dealers and related industries, visit http://www.jdpower.com. 

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts

Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]

 

Auto Dealer Service Satisfaction Improves amid Challenges from Aftermarket and Unique Effect of Direct-to-Consumer Brands, JD Power Finds

2026-03-11

jillian.breska

• Overall customer satisfaction with auto dealer service improves in 2026, led by premium market
• Dealer maintenance visits are significantly longer than comparable aftermarket service visits
• Satisfaction is significantly lower among customers coming from direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands 

TROY, Mich.: 12 March 2026 —When it comes to dealer service, customers are looking for an experience that minimizes disruption to their daily lives while simultaneously offering greater value, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study,^SM released today. For the most part, dealers are delivering on that promise, with overall satisfaction improving 3 points (on a 1,000-point scale) in this year’s index. Despite that improvement, dealers continue to face considerable competition from aftermarket providers focusing on speed and convenience and from direct-to-consumer brands prioritizing mobile and valet service options. 

Offering a rewarding dealer service experience is critical, as index results indicate higher satisfaction is directly tied to stronger customer retention and increased revenue. When overall satisfaction is 950 or higher, 86% of mass market customers say they “definitely will” return to the dealer for paid service, and 88% of premium customers say the same. Higher satisfaction also increases the likelihood customers will purchase another vehicle from the same brand again. 

“Progressive dealers never stop working to make service more convenient—a worthy effort given how rapidly the aftermarket can complete routine service. Dealers can also more readily add value, for example, by returning the vehicle cleaner than when it arrived and completing a thorough multi-point inspection with digital documentation. CSI results show those efforts yield higher satisfaction and, in turn, boost retention,” said Stewart Stropp, vice president of customer success at JD Power. “Another opportunity is to more consistently deliver on top key performance indicators (KPIs) like keeping customers informed of service status and explaining the work performed. These elements, among others, meaningfully lift satisfaction.” 

Following are some key findings of the 2026 index: 

• Overall satisfaction with dealer service improves, led by premium market: At an industry level, the average overall customer satisfaction score for dealer service is 868, up 3 points from last year. Improvement is notably higher in the premium segment, which rises 8 points to 886. Overall satisfaction with the mass market service experience is up 3 points to 865.
• Maintenance visits are the quickest type of work but still take longer than comparable aftermarket service: Most dealer service visits consist of maintenance work, including services like oil changes and tire rotations, but these offerings still take approximately three times longer than comparable service at aftermarket facilities. On average, mass market customers wait 1.61 hours for maintenance work at the dealer, while premium customers wait 2.46 hours. By comparison, 62% of aftermarket service visits take under an hour for similar work. To retain more customers, dealers should focus on minimizing completion times while still meeting key service quality expectations.
• Customers coming from DTC brands have high expectations of the dealership service experience: One challenge traditional dealers face is satisfying customers coming from DTC brands such as Tesla and Rivian, for which non-traditional options like mobile service are routine. For example, among premium segment customers returning to a traditional dealer from a DTC brand, overall service satisfaction is 855, a notable 29 points lower than the mass market average. With the incidence of mobile and valet service remaining low outside of DTC brands, traditional dealers can prioritize these alternatives to differentiate themselves in the market and elevate value and convenience for their customers.            
• More customers want photo/video documentation during service, but not enough are getting it: Almost two-thirds (64%) of customers say they would like to receive photo/video evidence alongside multi-point inspection (MPI) results, but only 26% of mass market customers and 44% of premium customers say they get it. To maximize satisfaction, service personnel should make it a routine practice to offer photo/video updates, particularly early in the service process, when CSI findings indicate satisfaction dividends are greatest. Satisfaction with the service advisor is highest in both the premium (928) and mass market (907) segments when photo/video evidence is provided while service is being done.
• Room for improvement with completing top KPIs: Only 26% of customers say they experienced nine or 10 of the top CSI Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including value-enablers like being met at the vehicle upon arrival and having work completed properly the first time, among others. When all 10 top KPIs are met, average customer satisfaction is 979, but when only three are met, scores plummet to 632. The steady rise in satisfaction with each completed KPI emphasizes it’s not enough to focus on only a few high-impact behaviors. Ensuring all are completed is essential to optimizing satisfaction, as scores among customers who experienced seven or eight KPIs are still 63 points below completing all 10 KPIs.

Highest-Ranking Brands and Segments 

Porsche ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among premium brands for a second consecutive year, with a score of 915. Infiniti (912) ranks second and Lexus (900) ranks third.

MINI ranks highest in satisfaction with dealer service among mass market brands with a score of 887. Subaru (886) ranks second and Buick (882) ranks third.

Mazda (884) ranks highest in the mass market car segment, followed by Subaru (881) and Chevrolet (873).

Subaru ranks highest among mass market SUVs/minivans with a score of 887. Nissan (885) ranks second and Buick (882) ranks third.

Infiniti and Porsche tie for highest in the premium car segment, each with a score of 921, followed by Lexus (910).

Infiniti ranks highest in the premium SUV segment with a score of 911. Porsche (910) ranks second and Lexus (897) ranks third.

Ford ranks highest in the truck segment with a score of 869. Toyota (864) ranks second and Chevrolet (853) third. 

To access the official release and complete visual rank charts, visit: http://www.jdpower.com/pr-id/2026013. 

The U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, now in its 46^th year, measures satisfaction with service at franchised dealer and aftermarket service facilities for maintenance or repair work among owners and lessees of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles. It also provides a numerical index ranking of the highest-performing automotive brands sold in the United States, which is based on the combined scores of five measures comprising vehicle owner service experience data and actual repair data. These measures are (in order of importance): service quality; vehicle pick-up; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. CSI results are updated monthly and accessible to eligible subscribers on a dynamic delivery platform, informing timely insights to improve service satisfaction, loyalty and revenue throughout the year. 

The 2026 index is based on responses from 51,228 verified registered owners and lessees of 1- to 3-year-old vehicles. JD Power goes to great lengths to ensure survey respondents are true owners of the brand for which they are surveyed. The index was fielded from January through December 2025.

For more information about the U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/us-customer-service-index-csi-study.

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected] 

About JD Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

 

PHEV Tire Satisfaction Increases, Closing Gap with ICE and BEV Original Equipment Tires, JD Power Finds

2026-03-18

jillian.breska

• Overall satisfaction with Original Equipment tires decreases by 2 points (on a 1,000-point scale) from 2025
• Tire brand loyalty improves to 54%
• When two or more tires are replaced, brand loyalty is 42%

TROY, Mich.: 19 March 2026 — Overall satisfaction with original equipment tires among battery electric vehicles (BEVs), internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) continues to converge, with the gap among the three segments narrowing to 14 points on a 1,000-point scale, down from 47 points in 2025, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study,^SM released today. This marks the smallest satisfaction gap among the segments since 2023. Overall satisfaction scores are 789 for ICE vehicles, 775 for BEVs and 772 for PHEVs, with PHEVs posting the largest year-over-year gain, improving 29 points from 2025.

The U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study provides robust, actionable Voice of the Customer-driven insights, including factors that impact overall customer loyalty. In this year’s study, overall tire brand loyalty improves by three percentage points to 54%. However, when two or more tires are replaced, brand loyalty stands at 42%, with tire wear cited as the primary reason. 

“As satisfaction with original equipment tires continues to converge across BEV, PHEV and ICE vehicles, replacement decisions are increasingly driven by functionality rather than brand loyalty,” said Jason Norton, director of customer success at JD Power. “Fewer than half of owners remain loyal to the original tire brand, not because of dissatisfaction, but because they are focused on practical needs, such as matching tires, meeting technical requirements or achieving longer wear. For manufacturers, the opportunity lies in delivering solutions that consistently meet these real-world replacement demands across all powertrains and convert low loyalty into sustained repeat purchase behavior.”

Study Rankings

Michelin ranks highest in the luxury segment with a score of 833. Goodyear (829) ranks second. The segment average is 806.

Michelin ranks highest in the passenger car segment with a score of 816. Goodyear and Toyo (798) rank second in a tie.

Michelin ranks highest in the performance sport segment, for a third consecutive year, with a score of 818. Goodyear (805) ranks second and Pirelli (801) ranks third.

Pirelli ranks highest in the truck/utility segment with a score of 801. BFGoodrich (790) ranks second, and Michelin (788) ranks third.

The U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study began in 1989 and measures tire owner satisfaction in four areas (in order of importance): tire ride; tire wear; tire traction/handling; and tire appearance. The study includes four vehicle segments: luxury; passenger car; performance sport; and truck/utility. The study is based on responses from 38,244 owners of 2023 to 2025 model-year vehicles and was fielded from January through December 2025. 

For more information about the U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study visit: https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-original-equipment-tire-customer-satisfaction-study.

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected] 

About JD Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

 

EV Home Charging Costs Rise and Satisfaction Falls, but Few EV Owners Take Advantage of Scheduled Charging or Smart Charging Programs, JD Power Finds

2026-03-23

jillian.breska

• Charging costs are rising; satisfaction with cost declines
• Scheduled charging boosts satisfaction and lowers costs, but just 38% of EV owners always use scheduling for home charging and 46% never schedule charging
• Level 2 permanently mounted chargers have the most problems but the highest satisfaction

TROY, Mich.: 24 March 2026 — Home charging remains the cornerstone of the electric vehicle ownership experience, yet many owners receive limited education on how to optimize it and few are taking steps to lower their costs. With 86% of typical EV¹ charging happening at home, understanding options such as the scheduling capabilities of Level 2 charging stations² and EV incentive programs from electric utilities can play an important role in improving convenience, managing costs and enhancing overall satisfaction with the ownership experience. According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study,^SM released today, overall satisfaction among owners of Level 1 portable chargers is 569 (on a 1,000-point scale), down 12 points from a year ago, while the overall satisfaction score for use of Level 2 portable chargers is 710,  4 points lower than a year ago. Owner satisfaction with Level 2 permanently mounted home chargers holds steady at 733.

“Charging costs for EV owners are climbing, and there are several options out there for managing those costs through utility incentive programs and optimization of charging schedules during off-peak hours, yet only about 20%³ of owners say they received any kind of education or advice on home charging from their purchasing dealer,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at JD Power. “Automakers, dealers and utility companies all have a role in helping owners understand options like utility incentives, programs and upgrading to Level 2 permanently mounted chargers, which have more advanced options for scheduling charging windows to maximize cost savings. By providing better guidance and support, the EV ecosystem can help more owners save money, make more efficient charging choices and enjoy a more satisfying home charging experience. For manufacturers, maximizing home charging satisfaction is crucial because the data shows that it’s instrumental in influencing future brand loyalty.”

The following are some key findings of the 2026 index: 

• Charging costs climb higher as satisfaction with cost of charging dips lower: The average amount of money that owners say they spent on EV home charging in the past 30 days has increased to $63, up $5 from a year ago. As a result, satisfaction with the cost of charging falls to 687, down 11 points from the 2025 study. Owners in New England are subject to the highest average EV charging spend over the past 30 days ($99), resulting in the lowest satisfaction score with the cost of charging (552) among all regions. By contrast, owners in the Mountain region pay the least ($36) and are much more satisfied with the cost of charging (771).
• Scheduled charging boosts satisfaction and helps lower costs: More than one-third (38%) of EV owners say they always schedule charging at home. Satisfaction among these owners averages 734, compared with 706 among those who sometimes schedule charging (16%) and 700 among those who never do so (46%). Scheduled charging can also help reduce costs. For example, among owners who try to charge during off-peak hours, those who always schedule charging spent an average of $65 on charging in the previous 30 days, compared with $71 among those who say they never schedule charging. This suggests that strategically scheduling charging can help EV owners offset some of the cost by taking advantage of variable electricity rates.
• Few EV owners participate in smart charging programs: Smart charging programs are offered by utilities to incentivize EV owners to charge their vehicles during off-peak hours using Wi-Fi-connected chargers and vehicle telematics to optimize the charging experience. While 69% of EV owners are aware of these smart charging options, just 12% say they are enrolled in such programs. Moreover, only half (50%) of EV owners who charge at home say their utility offers variable electricity rates and incentives for charging at different times of day. Smart charging is an important solution for helping EV owners manage charging costs, while providing flexibility for utility providers to balance demand.
• Level 2 permanently mounted chargers experience more problems, but higher satisfaction: While Level 2 permanently mounted home chargers once again have the highest satisfaction scores, they remain the most problematic with 44.2 problems per 100 chargers (PP100), an increase of 5.2 PP100 year over year. The higher problem count can be attributed to the fact that Level 2 permanently mounted chargers are equipped with more advanced features—such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile apps and smart charging capabilities that are usually not present in the other charging segments. “While users of more advanced features on Level 2 systems do encounter more problems due to things like Wi-Fi and mobile app connectivity issues, their overall satisfaction levels are so much higher because they are scheduling charge times, monitoring results and engaging more actively in getting the most out of the home charging experience,” said Gruber.

Index Ranking 

While the study examines the home charging experience of EV owners across all three charger segments, only the Level 2 permanently mounted charging station segment is award-eligible this year. 

Tesla ranks highest among Level 2 permanently mounted charging stations for a sixth consecutive year, with a score of 771. Emporia (761) ranks second and ClipperCreek (760) ranks third.

The U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, now in its sixth year, is driven by a collaboration with PlugShare, the leading EV driver app maker and research firm. This study sets the standard for benchmarking satisfaction with the critical attributes that affect the total or overall EV home charging experience for both battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Satisfaction is measured across eight factors (in alphabetical order): charging speed; cord length; cost of charging; ease of use; ease of winding/storing cable; fairness of retail price; reliability; and size of charger. These factors provide a comprehensive assessment of the owner experience and charger performance. Respondents for the 2026 study include 5,399 owners of 2020-2026 model year BEVs and PHEVs. The study was fielded from November 2025 through February 2026. 

For more information about the U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/electric-vehicle-experience-evx-home-charging-study.

About JD Power

JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected] 

About JD Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

¹ Electric vehicles (EV) include battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

² JD Power defines charger segments as Level 1 portable; Level 2 portable; or Level 2 permanently mounted (permanent). Level 1 portable charging stations offer simple electric vehicle charging capabilities at home through a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. Level 2 portable charging stations offer faster charging capabilities at home through an upgraded 240-volt electrical outlet. Level 2 permanently mounted charging stations use an upgraded 240-volt electrical outlet via a permanently wall-mounted format.

³ Source: JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Ownership StudySM

 

New-Vehicle Retail Sales Up 4.0% for Full Year 2025; December Retail Sales Still feeling Impacts of Tariff and EV Pull Ahead

2025-12-25

jillian.breska

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for December 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,454,000, a 7.5% decrease year over year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. December 2025 has 26 selling days, one more than December 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 3.8% from 2024.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.9 million units, down 1.1 million units from December 2024. 

New-vehicle total sales for Q4 2025 sales are projected to reach 4,019,200 units, a 5.0% decrease from Q4 2024 when adjusting for the number of selling days. 

New-vehicle total sales for the second half of 2025 are projected to reach 8,061,500 units, a decrease of 1.3% from a year ago when adjusting for the number of selling days.  

New-vehicle total sales for full-year 2025 are projected to reach 16,275,300, an increase of 2.3% when adjusting for the number of selling days. 

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for December 2025 are projected to reach 1,222,800, a 7.4% decrease from December 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 3.7% from 2024.

New-vehicle retail sales for Q4 2025 sales are projected to reach 3,374,300 units, a 4.8% decrease from Q4 2024 when adjusting for the number of selling days. 

New-vehicle retail sales for the second half of 2025 are projected to reach 6,905,900 units, an increase of 0.4% from a year ago when adjusting for the number of selling days. 

New-vehicle retail sales for full-year 2025 are projected to reach 13,599,300, an increase of 4.0% when adjusting for the number of selling days. 

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power:
“December caps a year marked by volatility, as the industry continues to deal with the consequences of import tariffs and changes to electric vehicle legislation. To say it’s been a sales roller coaster of a year would be an understatement. 

“Fears of future tariff-related price hikes caused sales to jump by 173,000 vehicles between March and April, followed by a sales slowdown in subsequent months. Another sales jump occurred between August and September as 304,200 electric vehicle shoppers made purchases before the September 30^th expiration of federal EV tax credits, followed by another sales slowdown whose effects are still being felt in December.

“All this volatility means that simple year-over-year comparisons of the health of new vehicle sales are inherently noisy. However, there is no escaping the fact that demand for new vehicles remains robust.

“Retail sales in December will be down 7.4% (selling day adjusted) and Q4 sales will be down nearly 5% while full-year sales will be up 4%. Much of the decline in December is attributable to slower sales of EV’s, which are on track to account for just 6.6% of retail sales in December, down from 11.2% a year ago.

“Despite much speculation regarding major increases in new vehicle prices due to tariffs, the actual increases, as correctly predicted by JD Power, have been muted. The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in December for all vehicles is expected to reach $47,104, up $715 or 1.5 percent from December 2024.  Separating out electric vehicles, the average price on non-EV’s has powered vehicles rose 1.4% to $46,807.

“In total, retail consumers will have spent $620.0 billion dollars on new vehicles in 2025, up 5.8% from last year. Total aggregate retailer profit from selling new vehicles is expected to be $29.9 billion, down $0.4 billion from last year. Lower EV sales are providing a boost to manufacturer and retailer profitability as the steep discounts once required to drive high EV volumes begin to unwind. This shift marks an important turning point for the industry, though the full impact will be realized in 2026, the first year where these dynamics play out across all twelve months.

“The industry is not without its challenges, however. Affordability pressures remain significant, with monthly finance payments reaching a new record for the month of December at $776. In response, more consumers are turning to extended 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 10.1% of financed sales this month — the second highest level on record for the month of December behind 2021.”

The average manufacturer’s incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $3,433, which is $140 higher than November and $77 higher than a year ago. Expressed as a percentage of MSRP, incentive spending is currently at 6.5%, up 0.1 percentage points from last year. Discounts on EVs are expected to average $11,414 in December, down $57 compared with December 2024, and down $472 from November 2025. Discounts on non-EVs are projected at $3,219, an increase of $425 from last year.

Easing interest rates and strong used-vehicle values—reflected in higher trade-in equity—are providing some relief to buyers facing elevated monthly payments.

The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans in December is 5.84%, a decrease of 32 basis points from a year ago.

“The average used-vehicle price is trending toward $29,571, up a modest $8 from a year ago. This reflects the continued low supply of recent model-year used vehicles due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic, fewer lease maturities, and manufacturers moderating discounts. A rise in used-vehicle prices is good news for new-vehicle buyers with a trade-in, although average trade-in equity in December is down a modest $327 year over year to $7,903. The number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 26.9%—an increase of 4.0 percentage points from December 2024.

“Elevated transaction prices in December are not enough to offset the lower sales pace, with consumers on track to spend nearly $56.6 billion on new vehicles this month—1.5 percent lower than a year ago. Total retailer profit per unit, which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income, is expected to be $1,974, down $112 from December 2024 and down $73 from November 2025. Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $2.3 billion, down 7.4 percent from last year.

“Looking ahead, the industry will face a mix of head and tailwinds in 2026. Among the positives, anticipation of lower interest rates, an increase in the number of leases maturing, and the recalibration of OEM production schedules to accommodate new tariff realities and EV requirements will help boost demand and reduce pressure on OEM and retailer profit margins. Conversely, new vehicle affordability remains at an all-time low and used vehicle values will be under pressure throughout 2026. In sum, these dynamics set the stage for a more balanced and potentially stronger performance as 2026 progresses.”

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. New Vehicle	December 20251, 2	November 2025	December 2024
Retail Sales	1,222,764 units  (7.4% lower than December 2024)2	1,080,703 units	1,270,376 units
Total Sales	1,454,011 units (7.5% lower than November 2024)2	1,288,337 units	1,511,112 units
Retail SAAR	13.6 million units	12.7 million units	14.5 million units
Total SAAR	15.9 million units	15.7 million units	17.0 million units

¹ Figures cited for December 2025 are forecasted based on the first 17 selling days of the month.
² December 2025 has 25 selling days, one fewer than December 2024. 

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 231,247 units in December, down 7.6% from December 2024. Fleet volume is expected to account for 15.9% of total light-vehicle sales, flat from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 78.1% of new-vehicle retail sales, an increase of 4.6 percentage points from a year ago. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 1.1% of sales, down 1.5 percentage points from December 2024, while electric vehicles (EV) are expected to account for 6.6% of sales, down 4.6 percentage points, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 13.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 1.0 percentage points.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 56.2% of sales in December, up 3.2 percentage points from a year ago.
• Trucks/SUVs are on pace to account for 83.1% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 0.6 percentage point from December 2024.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.39 million units, an 11.7% increase from December 2024.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 70 days in December, up from 8 days from a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in December is expected to reach $47,104,up $715 from December 2024. Transaction price as a percentage of MSRP was flat from a year ago at 89.0%.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $56.6 billion on new vehicles, down $0.3 billion from December 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit in December is expected to reach $3,433, up $77 from December 2024. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to increase to 6.5%, up 0.1 percentage points from December 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit on trucks/SUVs in December is expected to be $3,584, up $136 from a year ago, while the average spending on cars is expected to be $2,670, down $226 from a year ago.
• Leasing is expected to account for 21.3% of sales this month, down 2.0 percentage points from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 56 days in December, which is flat from a year ago.
• 25.8% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in December, down 2.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $776, up $21 from December 2024. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 5.84%, down 0.32 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in December, average used-vehicle retail prices are $29,571, up $8 from a year ago. Trade-in equity is trending towards $7,903, which is down $327 from a year ago.
• 26.9% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 4.0 percentage points from December 2024.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 10.1% of finance sales this month, up 1.4 percentage points from December 2024.

Electrification Outlook

Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of OEM customer success at JD Power:
“One quarter removed from the expiration of federal tax credits, the automotive industry is exiting 2025 with stabilization in its electrification journey. Electrified vehicles, including battery electric (EVs), hybrids, plug-in hybrid (PHEVs), and extended range EVs (EREVs), accounted for 22.6% of sales in Q4, compared with 24.9% in the same quarter last year. While overall share declined by 2.3 percentage points, the market is finding its footing as consumer demand adjusts to the new incentive landscape.

“EV retail share in the quarter fell to 6.2%, down 3.6 percentage points from the same period last year. EV transaction prices rose to $53,300, an increase of nearly $6,000 year-over-year, and approximately $5,000 above the ICE average. Tesla has reasserted its EV leadership position, capturing roughly 60% of all EV sales, up 15 points from last year. More than 30 other brands in the industry divided the remaining market, with none exceeding 6% individually. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) ended Q4 at just under 1% share, with transaction prices averaging $66,100. Toyota and BMW emerged as the PHEV leaders, representing opposite ends of the pricing spectrum, while 20 additional brands split the balance.

“Hybrids continued to be the growth engine of electrification, rising to 15% share, a gain of 2.5 percentage points year over year. Transaction prices averaged $43,000, up $1,660. Toyota and Lexus together accounted for more than half of hybrid sales, and when combined with Honda, the three brands represented nearly 70% of the segment. The remaining 30% was divided among eight other manufacturers, underscoring the concentrated leadership in this technology.

“Toyota’s dominance across powertrain types is particularly noteworthy. In addition to leading in internal combustion engine vehicles, Toyota holds commanding share positions in hybrids and plug-in hybrids, reinforcing its role as a multi-powertrain leader. Tesla remains the clear frontrunner in EVs, while the broader market remains fragmented. Together, these dynamics highlight both the resilience and the evolving competitive landscape of electrification in the post-tax credit era.”

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“November global light-vehicle sales are estimated to have decreased 2.2% year over year to 8.1 million units, with most regions other than Europe seeing declines. The selling rate for November was estimated at 94.8 million units, down from 95.7 million units in October.

“With China and the U.S. being the largest markets worldwide, moderate year over year declines in these countries contributed the most to the global fall in sales. In China, the year over year decrease was linked to extremely strong volumes in November 2024, as consumers rushed to take advantage of a government trade-in scheme, which was eventually extended anyway. On a more positive note, sales in India increased in November, thanks to reductions in the General Sales Tax, as well as heightened demand during India’s festival season. 

“December sales are expected to decrease 1.1% from December 2024. The U.S. and Canada are expected to be unable to match strong year-ago demand, while Europe is forecast to see a modest year-over-year decline, especially in France, where political instability appears to be impacting consumer confidence. The global selling rate is expected to reach 93.3 million units in December, down from a rate of 96.4 million units in December 2024.

“Should the December forecast be borne out, it would result in total 2025 global sales of 92.1 million units (+3.7% year over year), up by around 700k units from our forecast a month ago. The outlook for India has been upgraded, with that market carrying strong momentum, while tariffs and trade tensions appear to be having a less significant impact on sales than was once feared”.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

About JD Power 
JD Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. JD Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance.

JD Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit jdpower.com/business. The JD Power auto-shopping tool can be found at jdpower.com. 

About GlobalData https://www.globaldata.com/

 

Auto Shoppers Want Product Details, Not Branding, on Manufacturer Websites, JD Power Finds

2026-01-05

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 8 Jan. 2026 — Manufacturer websites play a critical role for shoppers at all stages of the decision-making process during the new-vehicle shopping journey, according to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study℠ — Winter, released today. Among those who already know which vehicle they want, 83% still visit the manufacturer’s website to support their research. Of shoppers who are undecided on a vehicle, 94% visit a manufacturer’s website and have higher engagement as they spend more time browsing and viewing detailed content. Notably, at least 66% of these undecided shoppers say they would consider purchasing the brand featured on the website.

“One in three new-vehicle shoppers begin their journey without a specific brand in mind, yet nearly all of them still visit an OEM website,” said Cory Maxwell, digital experience consultant at JD Power. “While those shoppers are highly engaged, we continue to see that about 20 percent of OEM sites prioritize branding over the detailed vehicle information shoppers are actively seeking. At that stage, the brand has already done its job by getting shoppers to the site, so what matters most is helping them evaluate the vehicle.”

The JD Power U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study is a semiannual study that measures customer satisfaction with automotive manufacturer websites while shopping for a new vehicle by examining five key measures (in order of importance): visual appeal; navigation; speed; vehicle research; and research tools.

Study Rankings

Tesla ranks highest among premium manufacturer websites with a score of 777. Cadillac (761) ranks second and Mercedes-Benz (757) ranks third.

GMC ranks highest among mass market manufacturer websites with a score of 717 for a second consecutive study wave. Ford (716) ranks second and Hyundai (715) ranks third.

The U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, initially released in 1999, is based on responses from 11,181 new-vehicle shoppers who indicated they will be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 12 months. The study was fielded in October-November 2025. 

For more information about the U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/resource/us-manufacturer-website-evaluation-study

About JD Power
JD Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. JD Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance.

JD Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The JD Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]

About JD Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info 

 

 

Brand Value and Disciplined Incentives Drive 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards Performance

2026-01-20

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 20 Jan. 2026 — In a market where affordability pressures are pushing more customers to weigh the total cost of vehicle ownership, the estimated worth of a vehicle at the end of its lease term, known as a residual value, is a key indicator of long-term resale value and affordability. The JD Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards,^SM released today, highlight the importance of residual values, with Tesla and Toyota showcasing the strongest results.

“Strong wholesale retention, solid brand value and a disciplined approach on rental fleet and incentives propelled Toyota to the top spot among mainstream brands,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at JD Power. “Toyota topped six segments for 2026, including a four-peat for GR Supra and five-peat for Tundra. Meanwhile, Tesla avoided the high incentives of other luxury battery electric vehicle brands in 2025. That helped earn it the top rank among luxury brands with the highest performers in three segments–including the refreshed Model Y, which included introduction of a lower-priced base version and additional content on midlevel trims.” 

For model-year 2026, 14 different brands receive awards in 26 segments. The 2026 award process consisted of evaluating 300 models through analysis of used-vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have model-line entries in at least two different vehicle segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are sales-weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line. For a segment to qualify for an award, at least four different model lines must be included. 

Model-Level Residual Value Awards

Toyota receives the most model-level awards with six, while BMW, Lexus and Tesla each receive three model-level awards. Model award recipients include: 

• Toyota: GR Supra, GR86, Camry, Sequoia, Tundra and Tacoma
• BMW: 3 Series*, 4 Series* and X1
• Lexus: NX, RX and LX
• Tesla: Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck
• Chevrolet: Corvette and Silverado 3500 HD
• Mercedes-Benz: AMG GT 4-DOOR and Sprinter
• Subaru: Crosstrek and Solterra
• Acura: Integra
• Audi: A6
• Cadillac: CT4*
• Ford: Bronco
• Honda: Civic
• Jeep: Wrangler
• Kia: Carnival

*Tied for first place, Compact Premium Car

The JD Power U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards are the automotive industry’s standard in recognizing vehicle models projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price at open auction after 3 years of ownership. A key indicator of brand health, RVs form a major component in the way automakers set the leasing cost of their vehicles. A strong RV underscores an automaker’s success in vehicle execution and market strategy, as well as the overall desirability of its brand. 

Numerous variables affect the actual residual value of a vehicle over a multi-year lease term. Among them are mileage and condition; features and pricing; vehicle execution; used supply; market strategy;  seasonality; and macroeconomic factors. These inputs require close accounting to accurately forecast residual values, so manufacturers and lenders with a greater understanding of each factor can equip themselves to optimize their leasing strategies. The combination of JD Power’s extensive transaction data and ALG’s deep experience in residual values allows for even more accurate end-of-lease forecasting capabilities.

About JD Power
JD Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. JD Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities, combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools, to help its clients optimize business performance.

JD Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The JD Power auto-shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]

About JD Power and Advertising/Promotional Rules: http://www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info 

 

January Sales Reflect Seasonal Patterns; Consumers Spend $39.7 Billion on New Vehicles

2026-01-28

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for January 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,118,700, a 2.7% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. January 2026 has 26 selling days, one more than January 2025. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 1.2% from 2025.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.0 million units, down 0.4 million units from January 2025. 

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for January 2026 are projected to reach 908,500, a 3.7% decrease from January 2025. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 0.1% from 2025.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for Retail new-vehicle sales is expected to be 12.7 million units, down 0.5 million units from January 2025. 

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power:
“January is historically the lowest volume sales month of the year and is also historically the least indicative of full-year sales performance. Nevertheless, January opens 2026 with a modest performance with retail sales expected to increase by 1,317 units compared to a year ago.

“As with every January, winter storms have the potential to create some disruption to sales patterns, but the key factors in assessing January’s performance are the co-mingling of lower EV sales, higher Incentives on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and ongoing profit pressure from tariffs. 

“EV retail sales remain depressed as transaction prices jump through a combination of the elimination of federal credits and reduced incentives from manufacturers. In fact, EVs will account for just 6.6% of new retail sales, down 2.9 percentage points from a year ago. Conversely, manufacturers are using some of the money saved from selling fewer EVs with extremely large discounts to improve discounts on ICE vehicles. Finally, tariffs remain a meaningful challenge for manufacturers, who must balance per unit profitability against the need to remain competitive in the marketplace.”

The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in January for all vehicles is expected to reach $45,880, up $512 or 1.1 percent from January 2025. Separating out electric vehicles, the average price for non-electric vehicles rose 0.9% to $45,510. In contrast, the average price for electric vehicles rose 18.1% from January 2025 to $51,981. 

Regarding total consumer spending on new vehicles, the elevated transaction prices in January were enough to offset the lower sales pace, with consumers on track to spend nearly $39.7 billion on new vehicles this month—1.4 percent higher than a year ago. 

For retailers, profit per unit, which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income, is expected to be $2,148, down $62 from January 2025, but up $224 from December 2025. Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $1.9 billion, down 2.6 percent from last year.

“Affordability pressure remains significant, with the average monthly finance payment reaching $760, up $24 from a year ago. In response, more consumers are turning to 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 11.7 percent of financed sales this month compared to 9.9% a year ago.

“The average manufacturer’s incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $3,192, which is $25 higher than a year ago. However, the changes in average discounts are heavily influenced by the decline in EV sales. Discounts on EVs are expected to average $11,212 in January, down $1,820 compared with January 2025, and down $353 from December 2025. Discounts on non-EVs are projected at $3,004, an increase of $403 from last year. As a share of MSRP, discounts on non-EVs averaged 5.9% in January, up 0.8 percentage points from a year ago.”

Easing interest rates and strong used-vehicle values are providing some relief to buyers facing elevated monthly payments.

The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans in January is 6.29 percent, a decrease of 48 basis points from a year ago.

“The average used-vehicle price is $28,550, up $490 from a year ago. This reflects the continued low supply of recent model-year used vehicles due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic, fewer lease maturities, and manufacturers moderating discounts. The ongoing strength of used-vehicle prices continues to be good news for new-vehicle buyers with a trade-in, with average trade-in equity in January at $8,091, up $293 year from a year ago. The number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 27.3 percent—an increase of 2.4 percentage points from January 2025.

“Despite a moderate start to the year, the full-year outlook remains relatively positive. Rising lease-return volumes, plus the expectation of lower interest rates present meaningful tailwinds to the industry. More importantly, as OEMs and Dealers navigate the evolving economics of EVs, there is likely to be an opportunity to improve affordability of ICE vehicles as production schedules shift towards a more profitable mix of vehicles for both OEMs and Dealers. Similarly, supply chain changes present the opportunity to partially mitigate tariffs, although tariff-related profit pressure for OEMs will persist throughout the year.” 

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. New Vehicle	January 20261, 2	December 2025	January 2025
Retail Sales	908,458 units  (3.7% lower than January 2025)2	1,212,617 units	907,141 units
Total Sales	1,118,705 units (2.7% lower than January 2025)2	1,468,667 units	1,105,457 units
Retail SAAR	12.7 million units	13.5 million units	13.2 million units
Total SAAR	15.0 million units	16.1 million units	15.5 million units

¹ Figures cited for January 2026 are forecasted based on the first 13 selling days of the month.
² January 2026 has 26 selling days, one more than January 2025. 

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 210,247 units in January, up 1.9% from January 2025. Fleet volume is expected to account for 18.8% of total light-vehicle sales, up 0.9 percentage points from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 77.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, an increase of 2.7 percentage points from a year ago. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 0.9% of sales, down 1.3 percentage points from January 2025, while electric vehicles (EV) are expected to account for 6.6% of sales, down 2.9 percentage points, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 14.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 1.4 percentage points.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 54.1% of sales in January, up 3.2 percentage points from a year ago.
• Trucks/SUVs are on pace to account for 83.1% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 1.5 percentage point from January 2025.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.12 million units, a 1.4% decrease from January 2025.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 59 days in January, up from 2 days from a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in January is expected to reach $45,880,up $512 from January 2025. Transaction price as a percentage of MSRP was down 0.2 percentage points from a year ago at 89.5%.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $39.7 billion on new vehicles, up $0.5 billion from January 2025.
• Average incentive spending per unit in January is expected to reach $3,192, up $25 from January 2025. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to decrease to 6.2%, flat from January 2025.
• Average incentive spending per unit on trucks/SUVs in January is expected to be $3,399, up $104 from a year ago, while the average spending on cars is expected to be $2,596, up $36 from a year ago.
• Leasing is expected to account for 21.7% of sales this month, down 2.1 percentage points from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 57 days in January, which is flat from a year ago.
• 25.1% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in January, down 4.9 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $760, up $24 from January 2025. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 6.29%, down 0.48 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in January, average used-vehicle retail prices are $28,550, up $490 from a year ago. Trade-in equity is trending towards $8,091, which is up $293 from a year ago.
• 27.3% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 2.4 percentage points from January 2025.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 11.7% of finance sales this month, up 1.9 percentage points from January 2025.

Electrification Outlook

Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of OEM customer success at JD Power:
“The U.S. alternative powertrain sector is entering the new year with performance that closely mirrors late 2025, as electric vehicle share holds steady and hybrid demand continues to climb. Early January data shows EV and plugin-hybrid penetration running nearly four percentage points below year-ago levels, with internal combustion vehicles and traditional hybrids absorbing the gains. Both EVs and PHEVs are on track to finish the month below 8% retail share, a notable shift from the nearly 12% combined share recorded last January.

Automakers are responding to these dynamics with elevated incentive activity, particularly in the EV segment. EV incentive spending is highest in the industry, climbing more than $2,000 from a year ago as manufacturers work to offset the loss of federal tax credits. January month to date spending is roughly $5,700 per vehicle, only a few hundred dollars above PHEVs, but nearly $3,500 above hybrids. EV leasing also continues to recalibrate: only 44% of EV transactions are now structured as leases, marking an 8-point drop from December and a dramatic 30-point decline compared with the same period last year.”

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“December global light-vehicle sales are estimated to have decreased 2.4% year over year to 8.4 million units, dragged down by declines in China and North America. The selling rate for December was estimated at 93.0 million units, down from 94.6 million units in November. For 2025 overall, sales are estimated at 91.9 million units, up 3.6% year over year.

“The pace of sales cooled significantly in China during December, though this was not unexpected. The government has now confirmed that the scrappage incentive scheme will be extended to the end of 2026, and consumers appeared to anticipate this move in December, reducing the urgency to make purchases. Elsewhere, most markets saw year over year growth, with Europe contributing a healthy gain, thanks to positive momentum in markets such as Germany and Turkey.

“January sales are expected to increase 4.1% from January 2025. Much of the growth is likely to come from China, India and other emerging markets in Asia, such as Vietnam. Modest expansion is forecast in Europe, while Japan could see a contraction in year over year terms, with consumers struggling with financing pressures. The global selling rate is expected to reach 85.7 million units in January, down from a rate of 88.8 million units in January 2025.

“Our initial forecast for total global sales in 2026 stands at 93.7 million units, up 1.9% year over year. China should still see year over year growth, but at a slower rate than in 2025, as changes to the scrappage incentive scheme are set to discourage OEMs from engaging in a price war. The recent escalation in trade tensions between the US and Europe over the issue of Greenland underlines downside risks that could impact on vehicle sales, either through direct tariffs or an erosion in economic strength.”

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]

About JD Power 
JD Power is a global leader in automotive data and analytics, and provides industry intelligence, consumer insights and advisory solutions to the automotive industry and selected non-automotive industries. JD Power leverages its extensive proprietary datasets and software capabilities combined with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to help its clients optimize business performance.

JD Power was founded in 1968 and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit jdpower.com/business. The JD Power auto-shopping tool can be found at jdpower.com. 

About GlobalData https://www.globaldata.com/

 

JD Power Projects Stable Year for New-Vehicle Sales Volume at NADA Show 2026

2026-02-03

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 3 Feb. 2026 — JD Power, a leading provider of proprietary data, advanced analytics, deep industry expertise and insights that drive the global auto industry, presented its exclusive auto industry outlook to kick off the NADA Show 2026, today. The forecast, which projects 16.3 million total new-vehicle sales this year, was part of the annual JD Power Auto Summit, featuring insights from industry leaders, new technology demonstrations and the unveiling of a new brand identity and unified automotive strategy focused on moving the industry forward.

“Coming off a strong, but highly volatile year in 2025, we anticipate supply-demand dynamics will once again become the dominant driver of the U.S. market,” said Thomas King, president, JD Power OEM Solutions. “While the industry will continue to face numerous macroeconomic uncertainties, we anticipate new-vehicle sales for 2026 will match the volumes we saw last year.”

The JD Power Auto Summit also featured opening remarks from JD Power CEO Joshua Peirez, who highlighted key consumer trends and introduced a new strategy designed to optimize JD Power solutions across automotive manufacturing, marketing, retailing, pricing and valuation. An example of this new approach is the upcoming Power Platform, which will allow customers to access multiple JD Power solutions via a single platform and sign-in, providing instant access to JD Power tools from anywhere in the world.

The Power Platform will streamline how users engage with JD Power solutions, creating a cohesive experience across products and workflows, and making it easier for customers to discover the intelligence, insights and capabilities that help them run their businesses more effectively. By centralizing access and creating a consistent experience, the Power Platform supports more informed decision‑making across the automotive ecosystem.

“The global auto industry is navigating a period of constant disruption that shortens planning cycles, accelerates innovation timelines and demands quick pivots in response to unpredictable events,” Peirez explained. “From the design studio to the boardroom to the showroom, we supply the data, analytics and insights that help our clients act with confidence and clarity. Our new brand identity and company strategy reflect our evolution and our mission to power every auto-related decision, and to give our customers immediate, easy access to the information they need to thrive in all market conditions.” 

JD Power representatives will be demonstrating a full suite of products at booth #4531W at the NADA show. These include several breakthrough new and enhanced products and services that fuel the entire vehicle sales and service lifecycle, from acquisition and inventory to marketing and merchandizing to pricing and valuation to sales and finance. More information can be found here: JD Power at NADA 2026.

For more information about JD Power solutions for automotive OEMs, dealers and related industries, visit http://www.jdpower.com. 

About JD Power
JD Power is a proven leader in business-critical data and intelligence to drive auto-related decisions with confidence and clarity. By leveraging unmatched proprietary data, advanced analytics and deep industry expertise, JD Power fuels original equipment manufacturers, retailers, lenders, insurers and partners to enhance their performance.

Since 1968, JD Power has delivered incisive guidance and intelligence about customer interactions with brands and products. To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit JDPower.com.

Media Relations Contacts
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [email protected]