Category: AutomotiveUnited States

Vehicle Software Updates Become More Routine, but Fall Short on Perceived Benefit, JD Power Finds

2026-02-12

jillian.breska

• Highest-recorded overall problems experienced since study redesign
• Premium vehicles less dependable than mass market counterparts
• Plug-in hybrids and EVs experience more problems than gas-powered vehicles

TROY, Mich.: 12 Feb. 2026 — With modern vehicles now running more lines of code than early space missions, owner perceptions of vehicle dependability have become increasingly influenced by technology performance and software glitches. According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS), released today, persistent problems with infotainment systems, spotty performance of over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and issues with vehicle exteriors have driven long-term dependability problems to new highs. Compared with 2025 results, vehicle problems after three years of ownership have increased by 2 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), resulting in an industry average of 204 PP100. A lower score indicates higher vehicle quality.

This year’s results mark the highest-recorded problem count since the VDS was redesigned in 2022, highlighting an ongoing industry-wide trend in which vehicle dependability has degraded during the past three years. Of the nine problem categories that comprise the study, infotainment remains the most problematic (56.7 PP100), followed by exterior (27.5 PP100). 

“As owners hold onto their vehicles longer, the long-term ownership experience matters more than ever,” said Jason Norton, director of auto benchmarking at JD Power. “Software updates and new technologies should enhance the ownership experience over time, yet many vehicle owners cite ongoing mobile phone integration problems and little to no benefit after an update is performed. Much of this comes down to owner education and ongoing communication. Automakers should focus on delivering meaningful improvements and clearly communicating the intended benefits of software updates so owners understand how they are designed to enhance their vehicle and ownership experience.”

Following are some key findings of the 2026 study:

• Premium segment sees rising issues: After 2 years of stability, problems among premium vehicles have jumped 8 PP100 year over year to 217 PP100—the highest since the study’s 2022 redesign. The gap between premium and mass market vehicles has widened to 17 PP100, with premium underperforming mass market in seven of the nine study categories, notably in features/controls/displays (FCD) (5.8 PP100 delta) and driving experience (3.4 PP100 delta). Only the powertrain and seats categories show better performance among premium makes.
• OTA software updates deliver mixed results: As vehicles become more software-driven, receiving updates is now a routine experience for many owners, with 40% saying they received a software update in the past 12 months. Of those owners, only 27% say the update improved their vehicle, while 58% say they perceived no noticeable difference. More than half (63%) of the software updates were performed OTA and resulted in a nearly 14% increase in problems this year (2.5 PP100).
• Mobile phone integration drives top industry problems: Of the top five industry problems, four are directly related to owner integration of mobile phones to their vehicles, including the top issue in the industry for a third consecutive year—Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity (8.9 PP100). Coupled with built-in Bluetooth systems (5.5 PP100), wireless charging pads (5.1 PP100), and OEM app connectivity (4.7 PP100), these issues account for 24.2 PP100, nearly half of the infotainment category problems in total. Issues with the vehicle exterior, such as abnormal noises, also contribute to the overall increase in reported problems.
• Problems increase across all electrified powertrain types: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) remain the most problematic of any powertrain type in the study, increasing 39 PP100 year over year to 281 PP100. Problems among battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids also increase by 14 PP100 each to 237 PP100 and 213 PP100, respectively. By contrast, the long-term dependability of gas-powered vehicles improves slightly by 2 PP100 to 198 PP100—the least problematic among all powertrains. 

Highest-Ranked Brands 

Lexus ranks highest overall in vehicle dependability among premium brands for a fourth consecutive year, with a score of 151 PP100. Cadillac (175 PP100) ranks second and Porsche (182 PP100) ranks third.

Buick ranks highest in the mass market segment for a second consecutive year, with a score of 160 PP100. MINI (168 PP100) ranks second and Chevrolet (178 PP100) ranks third. 

Toyota Motor Corporation has the top overall model in the study—Lexus IS—and receives the most model-level awards with eight. Model-level award recipients are Lexus IS, Lexus UX, Lexus GX, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Sienna, and Toyota 4Runner. General Motors Company receives four model-level awards for Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet Equinox, and Chevrolet Tahoe. 

The study, now in its 37^th year, covers 184 specific problem areas across nine major vehicle categories: climate; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; features/controls/displays; infotainment; interior; powertrain; and seats. The 2026 study is based on responses from 33,268 original owners of 2023 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded from December 2024 through November 2025.

Methodology Updates Planned for 2027 Study

Building on this year’s findings, particularly the frustration many owners experience with over-the-air (OTA) updates, the enhanced 2027 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study will help automakers identify dependability issues much earlier. With the addition of year-round data collection, continuous reporting, and integrated verified repair data beginning in April 2026, manufacturers can pinpoint and update related concerns sooner and deliver clearer, more proactive communication to owners through in-vehicle messaging email campaigns and dealer education. This enhanced visibility supports more effective troubleshooting and faster deployment of improvements, ultimately reinforcing trust, satisfaction, and long-term loyalty.

To learn more about the U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-vehicle-dependability-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: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

 

EV Owner Satisfaction Climbs to New High Amid Sales Slump, JD Power Finds

2026-02-17

jillian.breska

• BEV owner satisfaction reaches highest level since study inception
• Public charging satisfaction jumps year over year
• BEVs outperform PHEVs in overall satisfaction

TROY, Mich.: 18 Feb. 2026 — While the EV market has experienced significant volatility during the past year, owner sentiment has never been stronger. According to the JD Power 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study,^SM released today, overall satisfaction among current battery electric vehicle (BEV) owners is at its highest level since the study’s inception in 2021. Notably, nearly all owners of new BEVs (96%) say they would consider purchasing or leasing another BEV for their next vehicle. 

“EV market share has declined sharply following the discontinuation of the federal tax credit program in September 2025, but that dip belies steadily growing customer satisfaction among owners of new EVs,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at JD Power. “Improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure and overall vehicle performance have driven customer satisfaction to its highest level ever. What’s more, the vast majority of current EV owners say they will consider purchasing another EV for their next vehicle, regardless of whether they benefited from the now-expired federal tax credit.”

Following are some key findings of the 2026 study:

• Public charging satisfaction climbs to new highs: The availability of public charging is by far the most improved index factor in both premium and mass market BEV segments. Satisfaction among premium BEV owners is 652 (on a 1,000-point scale) and 511 among mass market owners, up 101 and 115 points, respectively, year over year. The continued growth of publicly available chargers and opening of the Tesla Supercharger network have notably improved satisfaction among mass market BEV owners during the past several years. Furthermore, satisfaction among Tesla owners is rebounding as they adapt to the expanded access of the charging network.
• Premium BEVs see more pronounced quality improvements: While total problems experienced by owners improves among both premium and mass market BEVs, the premium segment sees an improvement of 15.9 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) year over year to 75.0 PP100, marking the best quality performance for the segment in the current iteration of the study. This is driven by improvements in squeaks/rattles inside the vehicle, as well as fewer problems with driver assistance and excessive noises from outside the vehicle. By comparison, total problems among mass market BEVs is 92.2 PP100.
• BEVs continue to have higher satisfaction than plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): Overall satisfaction continues to be higher among BEV owners in both the premium (786) and mass market (727) segments versus comparable PHEV owners, particularly when it comes to satisfaction with the cost of ownership. Premium BEVs score 114 points higher than premium PHEVs in this area, while mass market BEVs outperform their PHEV counterparts by 117 points. Although PHEVs benefit from improved battery performance compared with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, they still carry the maintenance requirements of an internal combustion engine—cost and service needs that BEVs are able to avoid entirely.

Study Rankings

Tesla Model 3 ranks highest overall and highest in the premium BEV segment with a score of 804. Tesla Model Y (797) ranks second and BMW i4(795) ranks third. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E ranks highest in the mass market BEV segment with a score of 760. Hyundai IONIQ 6 (748) ranks second and Kia EV9 (745) ranks third.

There are nine award-eligible models in the premium segment and nine award-eligible models in the mass market segment. Satisfaction among owners of premium BEVs averages 786, up from 756 last year, while satisfaction among owners of mass market BEVs averages 727, versus 725 in 2025. 

No models were award-eligible in the PHEV segments; however, the average overall owner satisfaction score for premium PHEVs is 756, up from 741 in 2025 and the average overall satisfaction score for mass market PHEVs is 658, up from 632 last year.

The U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, now in its sixth year, focuses on the crucial first year of ownership. The overall EVX Ownership Index score measures electric vehicle owner satisfaction in both premium and mass market segments. The 2026 study includes 10 factors (in alphabetical order): accuracy of stated battery range; availability of public charging stations; battery range; cost of ownership; driving enjoyment; ease of charging at home; interior and exterior styling; safety and technology features; service experience; and vehicle quality and reliability.

The study is conducted in 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 ownership experience for both BEV and PHEV vehicles. Survey respondents for the 2026 study include 5,741 owners of 2025 and 2026 model-year BEVs and PHEVs. The study was fielded from August through December 2025. 

For more information about the U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Ownership Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/electric-vehicle-experience-evx-ownership-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: www.jdpower.com/business/about-us/press-release-info

 

February Sales Improve Over January, but Impact of Lower EV Demand Lingers

2026-02-19

jillian.breska

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for February 2026, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,183,000, a 3.8% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. February 2026 has 24 selling days, the same as February 2025. 

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.6 million units, down 0.6 million units from February 2025.

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for February 2026 are projected to reach 931,400, a 4.6% decrease from February 2025. 

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for Retail new-vehicle sales is expected to be 12.6 million units, down 0.6 million units from February 2025. 

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of OEM solutions at JD Power:
“The February sales pace shows a modest improvement over January, but will be down from a year ago, with retail sales projected to decline 4.6%.  As in January, performance is being shaped by depressed electric vehicle (EV) retail demand—EVs are expected to account for just 6.6% of retail sales, down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago—while elevated transaction prices continue to weigh on volumes through ongoing affordability pressure.  Despite the relatively slow start to the year, acceleration in the sales pace is expected over the balance of 2026, starting with March, which is traditionally a high-volume sales month with elevated promotional activity from manufacturers.”

Average retail transaction prices are expected to rise 2.7% to $46,303 from a year ago, with non-EV prices increasing 3.0% to $46,097 and EV prices rising 2.6% to $46,528. The combination of reduced EV subsidies, higher EV pricing and more modest discounting across the industry continues to influence shopper behavior and segment mix.

The average manufacturer’s incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $3,293, which is $63 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 $10,356 in February, down $1,664 compared with February 2025. Meanwhile, discounts on non-EVs are projected at $3,085, an increase of $346 from last year. As a percentage of MSRP, discounts on non-EVs are at 6.0% in February, up 0.6ppts from a year ago.

“Affordability pressure remains significant, with the average monthly finance payment reaching $811, up $32 from a year ago. In response, more consumers are turning to 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 12.7% of financed sales this month compared to 7.7% 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 February is 6.72%, a decrease of 31 basis points from a year ago.  

“The average used-vehicle price is $29,488, up $448 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 be good news for new-vehicle buyers with a trade-in, with average trade-in equity in February at $7,013, essentially flat from a year ago. However, the number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 31.5%—an increase of 3.4 percentage points from February 2025. 

“Regarding total consumer spending on new vehicles, the elevated transaction prices in February aren’t quite enough to offset the lower sales pace, with consumers on track to spend nearly $41.3 billion on new vehicles this month—2.4% lower than a year ago.” 

For retailers, profit per unit—which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income—is expected to be $2,524, up $83 from February 2025 and up $160 from January 2026. Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $2.3 billion, down 1.8% from last year.

“Looking ahead, multiple automakers have publicly stated their intent to increase their sales volume in 2026. However, given total new vehicle sales this year are expected to be similar to a year ago, and few, if any automakers are planning for a sales contraction, competitive intensity can be expected to rise in the coming months.”

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. NEW VEHICLE	FEBRUARY 20261, 2	JANUARY 2026	FEBRUARY 2025
Retail Sales	931,358 units  (4.6% lower than February 2025)2	883,148 units	976,462 units
Total Sales	1,183,039 units (3.8% lower than February 2025)2	1,104,810 units	1,229,233 units
Retail SAAR	12.6 million units	12.4 million units	13.2 million units
Total SAAR	15.6 million units	14.8 million units	16.2 million units
1 Figures cited for February 2026 are forecasted based on the first 11 selling days of the month. 2 February 2026 has 24 selling days, the same as February 2025.

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 251,681 units in February, down 0.4% from February 2025. Fleet volume is expected to account for 21.3% of total light-vehicle sales, up 0.7 percentage points from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 78.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, an increase of 2.6 percentage points from a year ago. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 13.5% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 0.1 percentage points. EVs are expected to account for 6.6% of sales, down 1.8 percentage points, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 1.1% of sales, down 1.0 percentage points from February 2025.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 55.6% of sales in February, up 4.4 percentage points from a year ago.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.19 million units, a 1.4% increase from February 2025.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 65 days in February, up from 3 days from a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in February is expected to reach $46,303, up $1,225 from February 2025. The transaction price as a percentage of MSRP was 89.1% in February, down 0.2 percentage points from a year ago. The average new-retail transaction price for ICE/hybrid vehicles is expected to reach $46,097, up $1,329 from February 2025. The average new-retail transaction price for EVs is expected to reach $46,528, up $1,169 from February 2025.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $41.3 billion on new vehicles, down $1.0 billion from February 2025.
• Average incentive spending per unit in February is expected to reach $3,293, up $63 from February 2025. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to decrease to 6.3%, down 0.1 percentage point from February 2025. Average incentive spending per unit for ICE/hybrid vehicles is expected to reach $3,085, up $346 from February 2025. Average incentive spending for EVs is expected to reach $10,356, down $1,664 from February 2025.
• Leasing is expected to account for 24.4% of sales this month, flat from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 59 days in February, up from 58 days a year ago.
• 26.0% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in February, down 4.3 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $811, up $32 from February 2025. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 6.72%, down 0.31 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in February, average used-vehicle retail prices are $29,488, up $448 from a year ago.
• Trade-in equity is trending towards $7,013 this month, which is down $16 from a year ago.
• 31.5% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 3.4 percentage points from February 2025.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 12.7% of finance sales this month, up 5 percentage points from February 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 percentage points below last year’s pace.” 

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“January 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 January was estimated at 80.8 million units, down from 96.4 million units in December. 

“Sales in China decreased 13.4% year over year in January, 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 January, with the key German market impacted by rising unemployment and a sluggish economic outlook.

“February sales are expected to decrease 5.5% from February 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, an issue that could be a feature of 2026. On the other hand, India is likely to see strong growth in February, 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 February, up slightly from a rate of 89.2 million units in February 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 based on 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]
John Roderick; East Coast; 631-584-2200; [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/

 

Tariffs Accelerate Buying Decisions While Transparency Drives Sales Satisfaction, JD Power Finds

2025-11-05

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 6 Nov. 2025 — More than one-third (36%) of buyers in the new-vehicle market say tariffs impacted their vehicle purchase process, with most of them buying sooner than they had planned, according to the JD Power 2025 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study,SM released today. Despite the market shifts, overall customer satisfaction with the vehicle purchase experience increases by 1 point this year to 802 (on a 1,000-point scale).

“Satisfaction among buyers has been gradually improving over the years, including a modest increase in 2025 despite the added uncertainties that tariffs bring.” said Stewart Stropp, vice president of automotive retail at JD Power. “However, even in a challenging market, the fundamentals of satisfaction haven’t changed. Dealers who stay transparent during the deal, take time to educate buyers on their vehicle’s features, and maintain that connection after delivery are the ones poised to boost buyer satisfaction, ultimately leading to better customer retention and business growth.” 

Following are some key findings of the 2025 study:

• Nearly one-fourth of buyers want a follow-up on their vehicle’s features but it never comes: While most buyers want to learn about all of their vehicle’s features upon delivery, nearly one-fourth (22%) indicate they would like a follow-up explanation of vehicle features and controls from the dealership a few weeks later, either through a phone call, dealership visit or online video/tutorials. However, more than half (53%) of these buyers never receive any such follow-up, presenting a key opportunity for dealers to improve the vehicle delivery process and boost future service retention and loyalty.
• Justifying trade-in values drives higher satisfaction: Trade-in transactions have been steadily increasing since the decline in lease volume that began several years ago. Among buyers who traded in a vehicle, 28% say their trade-in value was less than expected. However, when the dealer provides a clear explanation justifying the trade-in value, customer satisfaction is notably higher, even among those buyers who say the trade-in value didn’t meet their expectations. In such instances, overall satisfaction with the deal-making process averages a score of 800 when justification was provided but plummets to 672 when it wasn’t, highlighting the importance of transparency in the trade-in process.
• Import brand buyers are more likely to say tariffs accelerated their purchase plans: Buyers of brands from Japan and Europe more likely advanced their vehicle purchase in response to tariffs. Overall, among customers who say tariffs impacted their purchase, 87% in both the premium and mass market segments say they bought their vehicle sooner than intended. Furthermore, nearly 15% of buyers in both segments say they spent more than originally intended for their new vehicle.

Highest-Ranking Brands

Porsche ranks highest in sales satisfaction among premium brands for a third consecutive year, with a score of 855. Land Rover (838) ranks second and Infiniti (835) ranks third.

Buick ranks highest in sales satisfaction among mass market brands with a score of 827. Subaru (823) ranks second and Chevrolet (821) ranks third. 

Segment Awards 

The following are the highest-ranked brands in each segment:

Premium Car: Porsche (for a third consecutive year)

Premium SUV: Porsche (for a third consecutive year)

Mass Market Car: Mazda

Mass Market SUV: Buick (for a second consecutive year)

Mass Market Truck: Chevrolet 

Now in its 40^th year, the U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study measures customer satisfaction with the sales experience among new-vehicle buyers and rejecters. The study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience and satisfaction with the selling dealer (satisfaction among buyers). The study also measures satisfaction with brands and dealerships that were shopped but ultimately rejected in favor of the selling dealership (satisfaction among those who shopped a dealership but purchased elsewhere). Buyer satisfaction is based on six factors (in order of importance): delivery process; dealer personnel; working out the deal; paperwork completion; dealership facility; and dealership website. Rejecter satisfaction is based on five factors: salesperson; price; facility; variety of inventory; and negotiation. 

The 2025 U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on responses from 32,616 buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicle from March 2025 through May 2025. The study was fielded from July through September 2025.

For more information about the U.S. Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study,  visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-sales-satisfaction-index-ssi-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; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
Shane Smith; East Coast; 424-903-3665; [email protected]

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

 

Vehicle Noises, ADAS and Charging-Related Issues Increase, While Thailand’s Overall New-Vehicle Quality Holds Steady, JD Power Finds

2025-11-18

jillian.breska

BANGKOK: 19 November 2025 — Despite overall new-vehicle initial quality levels remaining stable this year at 177 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), vehicle owners in Thailand have experienced a notable increase in noise-related problems—including wind noise, road noise and other abnormal cabin sounds—according to the JD Power 2025 Thailand Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS) — Volume 2, released today. A lower PP100 score indicates higher vehicle quality.

New-vehicle owners remain highly sensitive to noise refinement, reflected in rising incidences of road noise (11 PP100, +1); wind noise (6 PP100, +5); suspension noise (3 PP100, +1); and abnormal window operation sounds (2 PP100, +1). Beyond noise-related issues, several usage-driven problems have emerged across all vehicle categories (NEV, ICE and Hybrid). Increased exposure to advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features has led to higher incidence of problems related to alerts, warnings and perceived system intrusiveness. In-vehicle device charging also continues to frustrate owners due to insufficient ports and slow charging speeds. Among NEV owners, EV charging speed remains the most prominent problem within the battery and charging category, as real-world performance trails customer expectations.

“When comparing the problem reports from 2025 V1 (dry season: Dec 2024–Feb 2025) and V2 (rainy season: Jun–Oct 2025), clear differences emerge in the nature of issues customers experience,” said Chaiyawat Kesaporn, senior project manager and lead analyst at Differential in Thailand. “In V1, fieldwork aligned with the traveling season, when vehicles were packed with passengers who fought each other for charging ports for their devices. In V2, problems with wipers and lights are increasingly reported. This points to the necessity for OEMs to implement continuous customer quality tracking to obtain a holistic performance view and make more informed product improvement decisions.”

Highest-Ranking Models

• Toyota Yaris Ativ ranks highest in the compact car segment with 165 PP100
• Honda City e:HEV Hatchback ranks highest in the entry midsize car segment with 170 PP100
• Honda HR-V e:HEV ranks highest in the compact SUV segment with 174 PP100
• Toyota Fortuner ranks highest in the large SUV segment with 170 PP100
• Mitsubishi Xpander HEV ranks highest in the MPV segment with 167 PP100
• Isuzu D-Max Spark ranks highest in the pickup single cab segment with 169 PP100
• Toyota Hilux Revo Prerunner Smart Cab and Toyota Hilux Revo Smart Cab rank highest, in a tie, in the pickup extended cab segment, each with 181 PP100
• Mitsubishi Triton Plus D-Cab ranks highest in the pickup double cab segment with 169 PP100
• MG4 Electric ranks highest in the NEV car segment with 173 PP100
• BYD Atto 3 ranks highest in the NEV SUV segment with 149 PP100

“In today’s fast-changing automotive landscape, the brands that succeed are those that integrate customer feedback into every stage of product design and manufacturing,” said Atsushi Kawahashi, senior director of JD Power Japan. “Continuous, data-driven insights—such as those provided through IQS benchmarking together with tracking data—enable OEMs to identify emerging issues early and feed those learnings directly into their next product development cycles.”

The 2025 Thailand Initial Quality Study (IQS)—Volume 2, conducted in collaboration with Differential, measures problems experienced in 10 problem categories for ICE vehicles, hybrids (HEV, PHEV) and NEV (in alphabetical order): climate control; driving assistance; driving experience; exterior; engine, motor and transmission; features, controls and displays; infotainment; interior; and seats. NEV includes an additional battery and charging category.

The 2025 study is based on responses from 4,832 owners of new vehicles, including internal combustion engines, hybrids and electric powertrains, who purchased their vehicle between January and September 2025. The study was fielded from June through October 2025. Fieldwork was conducted through face-to-face surveys in 22 major cities in Thailand covering 57 vehicle models from 15 makes. Brands included in the study are ranked according to aggregate score of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score indicating higher initial vehicle quality.

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 https://japan.jdpower.com/.

Differential is a strategic consulting and research firm specializing in consumer insights, brand strategy and market intelligence across the Asia-Pacific region. With expertise in data-driven decision-making, the firm helps businesses navigate complex market dynamics by providing deep cultural and behavioral insights. Its services range from qualitative and quantitative research to competitive analysis and trend forecasting, enabling clients to develop effective business strategies and customer engagement plans. Leveraging a strong understanding of regional nuances, Differential supports companies in various industries, including automotive, finance and technology, to drive growth and innovation.To learn more about the company’s business offerings, visit www.differential.com.sg.

Media Relations Contacts 
Ishika Arora, Differential; Singapore; +65-8428-3005 [email protected]
Joe LaMuraglia, JD Power; USA; +1-714-621-6224; [email protected]

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

 

Satisfaction with Non-EV Vehicle Apps Edges Up Slightly in 2025, but Speed and Connection Issues Continue to Negatively Impact Use, JD Power Finds

2025-12-05

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 10 Dec. 2025 — The JD Power 2025 U.S. OEM ICE App Report,^SM released today, finds that owner satisfaction with mobile apps for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is increasingly shaped by reliable connectivity, intuitive design, and the availability of essential features. Nearly 80% of ICE vehicle owners indicate using the OEM-provided app, yet engagement and satisfaction remain inconsistent year-over-year. High-performing brands are pulling ahead, widening the gap with competitors.

The results of this year’s report reinforce trends identified in previous JD Power studies. The JD Power 2025 Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS) shows that OEM app connectivity concerns remain one of the top 10 industry problems. Further, despite slight improvements, satisfaction with vehicle apps continues to lag due to slow and inconsistent connection speeds. These insights align with findings in the 2025 U.S. OEM ICE App Report, and stresses the importance of delivering dependable, customer-focused app experiences.

“Connectivity and speed continue to be the most significant challenges for ICE vehicle apps,” said Violet Allmandinger, mobile apps lead at JD Power. “Owners want apps that work seamlessly every time, with core features that are easy to access and perform reliably. The top performers notably stand out, and this year’s scores reflect that.”

Following are some key findings of the 2025 report:

• App usage rises, engagement remains limited: Nearly 80% of owners this year say they use their vehicle’s app, an increase of 2 percentage points from 2024. Despite this growth, only 27% identify as frequent users, which is defined as those who use the app every time or more than half the time they drive. This represents a modest 3-percentage-point increase year over year. Mass market vehicle owners show slightly higher engagement than do premium owners, but both remain well behind that of EV owners, who continue to lead in vehicle app usage and interaction.
• New insights on feature usage: The report provides a clearer picture of how often owners expect to use the features they want. The most wanted feature to use daily is garage door opener (61%), followed by smartphone as key (39%) and heated/cooled seat controls (38%). Remote lock/unlock (34%) and trunk control (31%) show moderate daily use, while low-frequency features such as remote park pilot and vehicle order status checks have much lower interest. Surprisingly, garage door integration is missing from most vehicle apps, creating a strong opportunity for differentiation if offered as a built-in feature rather than through a separate app or a basic setup process in the manufacturer’s app.
• Connectivity and interface issues remain top barriers: Among the 38% of owners who stopped using their app, the most common reason cited is connectivity problems. Unintuitive interfaces and unreliable remote start are additional pain points, each cited by 14% of owners. Slow response times (10%) and inconsistent functionality (7%) further add to frustration. Additional concerns include lack of desired features (5%), outdated or inaccurate information (4%), and difficulty managing multiple users (4%).
• User-defined accessibility priorities: Owners say they want core commands such as remote lock/unlock, garage access, and climate control to appear on the app’s home screen for maximum convenience. New survey questions added in 2025 reveal that 69% of owners say lock/unlock should be front and center, followed by garage access at 66% and climate control at 66%. Mid-tier features such as service scheduling (37%) and software updates (32%) remain important but are acceptable within one or two taps from the home screen, allowing manufacturers to streamline usability without reducing functionality.

Report Rankings

MINI ranks highest in customer satisfaction among mass market brands with a score of 810 (on a 1,000-point scale). Kia Access (805) ranks second and MyHyundai with Bluelink (798) ranks third.

My BMW ranks highest in overall customer satisfaction and highest among premium brands with a score of 821. Genesis Intelligent Assistant (771) ranks second and Mercedes-Benz (768) ranks third.

The U.S. OEM ICE App Report gauges ICE vehicle owners’ experience with their brand’s mobile app. Insights are derived from surveying ICE vehicle owners and an expert assessment of the most relevant ICE vehicle mobile apps. Results are based on a standardized assessment approach relying on more than 300 best practices for vehicle apps that include more than 160 mobile app functionality-specific attributes.

The report includes apps from the top 32 award-eligible branded apps that sell ICE vehicles in the United States. More than 2,100 ICE vehicle owners in the United States were surveyed between September-October 2025 to gather insights on app connectivity issues; app usage; feature desirability; and app overall execution.

For more information about the U.S. OEM ICE App Report, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-oem-app-benchmark-study.

About JD Power
JD Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics. A pioneer in the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithmic modeling capabilities to understand consumer behavior, JD Power has been delivering incisive industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products for more than 50 years. The world’s leading businesses across major industries rely on JD Power to guide their customer-facing strategies.

JD Power 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; 336-733-4412; [email protected]
Shane Smith; East Coast; 424-903-3665; [email protected]

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

 

Brand Loyalty Faces Headwinds as Tariffs Reshape New-Vehicle Shopper Behavior, JD Power Finds

2025-09-23

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 24 Sept. 2025 — While tariffs have introduced greater volatility into new-vehicle shopping behavior, brands with strong reputations—such as Toyota and Honda—continue to retain loyal customers, according to the JD Power 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study,^SM released today. In the current competitive landscape, automakers that consistently deliver vehicles aligned with evolving customer expectations and needs are best positioned to maintain and grow their loyal base.

“Brand loyalty matters to vehicle buyers because it’s often associated with higher residual values, making vehicles from trusted brands a more financially sound choice over time,” said Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data & analytics at JD Power. “However, buyer loyalty tends to weaken when shifting to a different vehicle segment. Not only that, but changing market conditions, such as increased availability of models, varying age of products and more aggressive incentive offers, have also brought brand loyalty back below 50% after finishing at 51% last year. Brand loyalty averages 49% across all nameplates and segments in this year’s study.”

Highest-Ranking Brands

Porsche ranks highest among premium car brands for a fourth consecutive year, with a 58.2% loyalty rate. Mercedes-Benz (49.7%) ranks second.

Lexus ranks highest among premium SUV brands for a second consecutive year, with a 57.4% loyalty rate. BMW (54.0%) ranks second.

Toyota ranks highest among mass market car brands for a fourth consecutive year, with a 62.0% loyalty rate. Honda (55.5%) ranks second.

Honda ranks highest among mass market SUV brands for a second consecutive year, with a 62.0% loyalty rate. Subaru (60.6%) ranks second.

Ford ranks highest among truck brands for a fourth consecutive year, with a 66.6% loyalty rate—the highest loyalty rate in the study. Toyota (61.2%) ranks second.

The U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study, now in its seventh year, uses data from the Power Information Network^® (PIN) to calculate whether an owner purchased the same brand after trading in an existing vehicle on a new vehicle. Customer loyalty is based on the percentage of vehicle owners who choose the same brand when trading in or purchasing their next vehicle. Only sales at new-vehicle franchise dealers qualify. The study includes brand loyalty across five segments: premium car; premium SUV; mass market car; mass market SUV; and truck.

The 2025 study calculations are based on transaction data from September 2024 through August 2025 and include all model years traded in for a new vehicle.

For more information about the U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study, visit  https://www.jdpower.com/business/us-automotive-brand-loyalty-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; East Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
Shane Smith; East Coast; 424-903-3665; [email protected]

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

 

2025-09-24

jillian.breska

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for September 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,232,200, a 0.1% increase year over year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. September 2025 has 24 selling days, one more than September 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 4.5% from 2024.

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 16.2 million units, up 0.3 million units from September 2024. 

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for September 2025 are projected to reach 1,031,400, a 0.4% increase from September 2024. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to an increase of 4.8% from 2024.

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at JD Power:
“In aggregate, September sales results point to another month of strong demand for new vehicles. However, as has been the case for the past few months, assessing the health of the industry requires a closer look at the underlying market dynamics. 

“The biggest driver of September’s strong sales pace is temporarily inflated demand for electric vehicles. The federal EV tax credit expires at the end of the month, which is causing many shoppers to accelerate their purchase. EV share of retail sales is expected to reach a record of 12.2% this month—up 2.6 percentage points from a year ago. On a volume basis, this equates to a 27.5% increase in EV sales—selling day adjusted—from a year ago.  Conversely, demand for non-EVs is muted, with non-EV sales down 2.5% this month from a year ago. The second key driver is affordability. Although again, the EV dynamic means aggregate results need careful evaluation. In totality, average vehicle prices continue to rise, discounts remain low and monthly finance payments are at record highs—all of which affects the overall sales pace.”

The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in September is expected to reach $45,795, up $1,310 or 2.9% from September 2024. The average manufacturer incentive per vehicle is on track to reach $3,116, an increase of just $24 from August, and a decrease of $3 from a year ago. Expressed as a percentage of MSRP, incentive spending is at 6.1%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points from a year ago. Average monthly finance payments are on track to reach $756, an increase of $21 from September 2024, and the highest on record for the month of September. In response, more buyers are opting for extended 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 11.0% of finance sales this month—the second-highest level on record for September.

“The decline in manufacturer incentive spending to just 6.1% of MSRP is notable, but more notable are the limited discounts offered on non-EVs. Incentives as a percentage of MSRP for non-EVs fell to just 4.8% of MSRP in September, down 0.8 percentage points from a year ago. Collectively, these pricing dynamics are helping manufacturers preserve profitability amidst tariff related cost pressure, but at the expense of higher sales volumes. Nevertheless, there are some positives for new-vehicle demand, most notably lower interest rates, stronger used-vehicle prices and improved loan availability.”

The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans in September is 6.51%, a decrease of 25 basis points from a year ago.

“The average used-vehicle price is trending towards $29,668, up $739 from a year ago. This reflects the combination of reduced supply of recent model year used vehicles—due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic—fewer lease maturities and manufacturers moderating discounts. The rise in used-vehicle prices is good news for new-vehicle buyers, with average trade-in equity in September up $534 year over year to $8,430. That increase is partially offset by higher loan balances that exist on vehicles being traded in. The number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 25.9%—an increase of 1.5 percentage points from September 2024.

“Access to new-vehicle loans for buyers with weaker credit also appears to be improving. The percentage of buyers with sub 650 FICO scores is trending towards 14.0%, up 3.1 percentage points from last year and the highest level for September since 2016 at 14.9%. 

“The stable sales pace, combined with elevated average transaction prices mean consumers are on track to spend nearly $45.0 billion on new vehicles this month—8.5% higher than a year ago and the second highest on record for the month of September.

“Total retailer profit per unit—which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income—is expected to be $2,240, up $12 from September 2024 and up $79 from August 2025. Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $2.2 billion, up 6.0% from September 2024. 

“Looking to October, the EV dynamic will continue to heavily influence results, but the effect on sales will shift from positive to negative. A very significant decline in EV sales is expected for October, reflecting both the effect of the federal EV tax credit expiring and the start of payback from all the EV purchases that were accelerated into the summer. The net effect will be heavily influenced by the extent to which manufacturers attempt to offset the loss of the federal EV tax credit, if at all.

“October sales will also be affected by manufacturers’ pricing and incentive decisions on non-EVs. The current low level of non-EV discounting provides plenty of potential for manufacturers to escalate incentives to bolster demand. However, tariff-related cost pressure remains significant, meaning the current pricing and incentive environment is likely to persist for much of Q4.”

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. New Vehicle	September 20251, 2	August 2025	September 2024
Retail Sales	1,031,427 units  (0.4% higher than September 2024)2	1,266,215 units	984,379 units
Total Sales	1,232,246 units (0.1% higher than September 2024)2	1,470,318 units	1,179,680 units
Retail SAAR	13.9 million units	12.9 million units	13.6 million units
Total SAAR	16.2 million units	16.0 million units	15.9 million units

¹ Figures cited for September 2025 are forecasted based on the first 16 selling days of the month.
² September 2025 has 24 selling days, one more than September 2024. 

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 200,819 units in September, down 1.5% from September 2024. Fleet volume is expected to account for 16.3% of total light-vehicle sales, down 0.3 percentage points from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 71.7% of new-vehicle retail sales, a decrease of 4.9 percentage points from a year ago. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 2.6% of sales, up 0.5 percentage points from September 2024, while electric vehicles (EV) are expected to account for 12.2% of sales, up 2.6 percentage points, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 12.4% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 0.7 percentage points.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 55.0% of sales in September, up 4.1 percentage points from a year ago.
• Trucks/SUVs are on pace to account for 82.1% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 1.6 percentage points from September 2024.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.21 million units, a 17.5% increase from September 2024.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 60 days in September, up from 54 days a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in September is expected to reach $45,795,up $1,310 from September 2024. Transaction price as a percentage of MSRP fell to 89.2%, down 0.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $45.0 billion on new vehicles, up $3.5 billion from September 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit in September is expected to reach $3,116, down $3 from September 2024. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to decrease to 6.1%, down 0.2 percentage points from September 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit on trucks/SUVs in September is expected to be $3,244, down $54 from a year ago, while the average spending on cars is expected to be $2,492, up $167 from a year ago.
• Leasing is expected to account for 23.9% of sales this month, up 0.6 percentage points from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 50 days in September, up from 49 days a year ago.
• 30.8% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in September, down 1.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $756, up $21 from September 2024. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 6.51%, down 0.25 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in September, average used-vehicle retail prices are $29,668, up $739 from a year ago. Trade-in equity is trending towards $8,430, which is up $534 from a year ago.
• 25.9% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 1.5 percentage points from September 2024.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 11.0% of finance sales this month, up 1.5 percentage points from September 2024.

Electrification Outlook

Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data & analytics at JD Power:
“As the final month of the federal EV incentive draws to a close, EVs are on pace to exceed 12% in the United States for the first time ever. While this would mark another record, the absence of a significant end-of-incentive surge underscores the underlying softness in consumer demand for the technology. 

“Inventory remains the key storyline as the quarter winds down. Barring a significant final sales week, more than 163,000 EVs remain on dealer lots, with approximately 100,000 of those from legacy automakers. The looming question is, ‘What happens to this inventory in Q4?’ With federal support expiring, manufacturers may be compelled to absorb some or all the lost value to maintain momentum.

“In the context of the recently released JD Power 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study^SM, there is a bright spot: EVs from franchised automakers are showing 55% nameplate loyalty, outperforming the industry average by 6 percentage points. This suggests that while the broader market may be hesitant, brand equity is still resonating with EV buyers. 

“Plug-in hybrids, also affected by the tax credit changes, are seeing less disruption. Their 2.6% retail share is 0.5 points below the all-time high set in December 2024, indicating a more stable demand curve. 

“Meanwhile, hybrids continue to gain traction. Retail share stands at 13.8%, up 2.1 percentage points from September 2024 and holding near record highs. This growth underscores the segment’s resilience, even as consumers adjust to the phase-out of the federal incentive for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.”

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“August global light-vehicle sales increased 4.1% year over year to 7.2 million units, with most key markets showing year over year growth. The selling rate for August was recorded at 94.5 million units, down slightly from an upwardly revised 94.7 million units in July.

“China was the main driver of global sales growth in August, with volumes increasing by 12.4% year over year. China was the only major market to deliver double-digit percentage growth, as a government-backed trade-in scheme, combined with a price war between manufacturers, boosted the market. The U.S. and Europe both achieved year-over-year gains, but at relatively modest levels. On the other hand, Japan saw a second consecutive month of year-over-year sales declines, hindered by robust year-ago sales, as the market was at that time recovering from production disruptions earlier in 2024.

“September sales are expected to increase 4.2% year over year. China is once again expected to deliver growth, given that there are indications that the government will continue its support for the trade-in scheme, even as it looks to rein in manufacturers and push them towards more sustainable pricing. Europe is also forecast to see some year-over-year gains, centered on the United Kingdom and Germany, although these increases are largely due to weak year-ago sales and favorable calendar effects, rather than any particular strength in those markets.

“Several recent developments point to a more positive outlook for the global auto market in the remainder of 2025. Though trade tensions remain, the situation has stabilized to some extent, compared with a constantly changing picture earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the ongoing government stimulus in China warrants a more optimistic forecast in the world’s largest light-vehicle market. We now see total 2025 global sales at 91.2 million units, up by 2.7% year over year.”

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

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

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

 

October New-Vehicle Sales Decline as EV Pull-Ahead Reverses; EV Share Falls to 5.3% Following Incentive Expiration

2025-10-23

jillian.breska

The Total Sales Forecast

Total new-vehicle sales for October 2025, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,249,800, a 6.9% decrease year-over-year, according to a joint forecast from JD Power and GlobalData. October 2025 has 27 selling days, the same as October 2024. 

The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 15.1 million units, down 1.1 million units from October 2024. 

The Retail Sales Forecast

New-vehicle retail sales for October 2025 are projected to reach 1,051,400, a 5.9% decrease from October 2024.

The Takeaways

Thomas King, president of the data and analytics division at JD Power:
“October’s results reflect a notable, but expected decline in the new-vehicle sales pace, due almost entirely to sales of electric vehicles. 

“The expiration of federal EV credits on Sept. 30 caused EV shoppers to pull ahead their purchases, driving a significant increase in EV sales and inflating the overall industry sales pace. In September, EVs accounted for 12.9% of new-vehicle retail sales, the highest ever, and well above the 8.5% recorded a year earlier. Now that the federal EV credit has expired, the industry is dealing with the consequences of those accelerated purchases. In October, EVs represent just 5.2% of new-vehicle retail sales. On a volume basis, EVs account for 1.0 million of the 1.2 million-unit decline in the industry sales pace compared with a month ago.

“Despite the sharp deterioration in EV sales, the decline could have been worse. Actions by multiple manufacturers to reduce EV prices and increase discounts to offset the loss of the federal credit are helping to maintain EV affordability, thereby preventing an even larger decline in EV sales. 

“For non-EVs, elevated transaction prices and restrained incentives are also contributing to the softer sales pace. Affordability pressures remain, with monthly finance payments reaching a record for the month of October at $758. In response, more consumers are turning to extended 84-month loan terms, which are expected to account for 11.8% of financed sales this month—the second highest level on record for the month of October.”

The change in EV sales mix is also affecting average transaction prices and average incentive spending. The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in October is expected to reach $46,057, up $994 (2.2%) from October 2024. The average manufacturer incentive spend per vehicle is on track to reach $2,674, a decrease of $540 from September and a decrease of $444 from a year ago. Expressed as a percentage of MSRP, incentive spending is currently at 5.3%, down a percentage point from a year ago. 

“The decline in manufacturers’ incentive spending is due almost entirely to reduced EV sales, since EVs typically have much higher discounts than non-EVs. While EV mix of industry is down, discounts on EVs have increased to $13,161, up $2,211 from October 2024 and up $2,047 from September 2025, as manufacturers step in to replace some portion of the expired tax credit. Discounts on non-EVs were $2,423 in October, down $282 from a year ago. While the decline in EV sales hurts manufacturers’ revenue performance, the mix shift to more profitable non-EVs, sold with lower incentives, is a positive for profitability.

“Also, there are some positives for new-vehicle demand. Interest rates have edged lower and used-vehicle prices remain strong, thereby helping consumers with a trade-in.”

The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans in October is 6.56%, a decrease of 14 basis points from a year ago.

“The average used-vehicle price is trending toward $29,446, up $473 from a year ago. This reflects the combination of reduced supply of recent model-year used vehicles due to lower new-vehicle production during the pandemic, fewer lease maturities and manufacturers moderating discounts. The rise in used-vehicle prices is good news for new-vehicle buyers with a trade-in, as average trade-in equity in October is up $386 year over year to $8,378. That increase is partially offset by higher loan balances on vehicles being traded in. The number of new-vehicle buyers with negative equity on their trade-in is expected to reach 26.6%—an increase of 2.2 percentage points from October 2024.

“Elevated transaction prices in October are not enough to offset the lower sales pace, with consumers on track to spend nearly $46.1 billion on new vehicles this month—4.2% lower than a year ago. Total retailer profit per unit, which includes vehicle gross plus finance and insurance income, is expected to be $2,295, up $97 from October 2024 and $137 from September 2025.  Again, the improvement in retailer profit per unit is primarily a function of lower EV sales, which typically generate lower retailer profits than non-EVs. Total aggregate retailer profit from new-vehicle sales for this month is projected to be $2.3 billion, down 2.1% from a year ago.

“Looking ahead, the industry continues to navigate a complex mix of tariff-related cost pressures, challenging consumer affordability and EV-related disruption. November traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday sales event season, a period that typically features elevated manufacturer-backed promotional activity, including enhanced leases. However, the number of leases set to expire in November and December are projected to be nearly 15% lower than the same period in 2024 and 48% lower than in 2023. 

“Throughout 2025, manufacturer incentive spending has been restrained, particularly in the now even more important non-EV segments. As manufacturers balance profitability with volume, the trajectory of sales will depend on how aggressively they choose to stimulate demand—especially during the holiday sales period. For now, most indicators point to relatively conservative strategies for the balance of the year.”

Sales & SAAR Comparison

U.S. New Vehicle	October 20251, 2	September 2025	October 2024
Retail Sales	1,051,414 units  (5.9% lower than October 2024)2	1,055,975 units	1,117,265 units
Total Sales	1,249,826 units (6.9% lower than October 2024)2	1,244,416 units	1,343,033 units
Retail SAAR	12.7 million units	14.1 million units	13.5 million units
Total SAAR	15.1 million units	16.3 million units	16.2 million units

¹ Figures cited for October 2025 are forecasted based on the first 16 selling days of the month.
² October 2025 has 27 selling days, the same as October 2024. 

The Details

• Fleet sales are expected to total 198,412 units in October, down 12.1% from October 2024. Fleet volume is expected to account for 15.9% of total light-vehicle sales, down 0.9 percentage points from a year ago.
• Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are projected to account for 79.2% of new-vehicle retail sales, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from a year ago. Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) are on pace to make up 1.0% of sales, down 1.4 percentage points from October 2024, while electric vehicles (EV) are expected to account for 5.2% of sales, down 3.4 percentage points year over year, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are expected to account for 14.2% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 2.0 percentage points.
• U.S. final assembly vehicles are expected to make up 56.7% of sales in October, up 5.5 percentage points from a year ago.
• Trucks/SUVs are on pace to account for 82.3% of new-vehicle retail sales, up 1.3 percentage points from October 2024.
• Retail inventory levels are currently at 2.27 million units, an 11.5% increase from October 2024.
• The industry’s inventory days of supply is 61 days in October, up from 59 days a year ago.
• The average new-vehicle retail transaction price in October is expected to reach $46,057,up $994 from October 2024. Transaction price as a percentage of MSRP rose to 90.5%, up 0.7 percentage points from a year ago.
• Retail buyers are on pace to spend $46.1 billion on new vehicles, down $2.0 billion from October 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit in October is expected to reach $2,674, down $444 from October 2024. Incentive spending as a percentage of the average MSRP is expected to decrease to 5.3%, down 1.0 percentage point from October 2024.
• Average incentive spending per unit on trucks/SUVs in October is expected to be $2,798, down $473 from a year ago, while the average spending on cars is expected to be $2,068, down $350 from a year ago.
• Leasing is expected to account for 20.5% of sales this month, down 2.7 percentage points from a year ago.
• The average time a new vehicle remains in the dealer’s possession before sale is expected to be 49 days in October, down from 50 days a year ago.
• 29.3% of vehicles sold in less than 10 days in October, down 1.8 percentage points from a year ago.
• Average monthly finance payments are on pace to be $758, up $21 from October 2024. The average interest rate for new-vehicle loans is expected to be 6.56%, down 0.14 percentage points from a year ago.
• So far in October, average used-vehicle retail prices are $29,446, up $473 from a year ago. Trade-in equity is trending towards $8,378, which is up $386 from a year ago.
• 26.6% of trade-ins are expected to carry negative equity this month—an increase of 2.2 percentage points from October 2024.
• Finance loans with terms greater than or equal to 84 months are expected to reach 11.8% of finance sales this month, up 2.2 percentage points from October 2024.

Electrification Outlook

Tyson Jominy, senior vice president of data & analytics at JD Power:
“The automotive industry is experiencing a significant recalibration in the electric vehicle segment in the first month following the expiration of the federal tax credits. October EV market share declined to 5.2% month-to-date, less than half of September’s 12.9%, signaling a notable shift in consumer demand and market dynamics.

“Plug-in hybrids are facing the steepest decline, with market share dropping nearly 60%, from 2.2% in September to just 1.0% in October. As a result, automakers and consumers are turning their attention to traditional hybrids, which have gained traction. Hybrid market share has risen to 14.2% month-to-date, up 2.0 percentage points from last October, a near all-time high.

“While hybrid growth is encouraging, the recent EV market correction underscores a critical lesson: consumers prefer having access to a range of powertrain options that deliver comparable value. A singular focus on any one technology—be it EVs or hybrids—risks repeating past missteps. A diversified strategy that embraces multiple powertrain solutions will be essential to meeting evolving consumer preferences.”

Global Sales Outlook

David Oakley, manager, Americas vehicle sales forecasts at GlobalData:
“September global light-vehicle sales increased 6.9% year over year to 8.1 million units, as key regions delivered year-over-year growth. The selling rate for September finished at 94.5 million units, down from an upwardly revised 95.4 million units in August.

“China, the United States and Europe made the largest contributions to year-over-year sales gains in September. As has been the case in recent months, Japan saw a year-over-year decline in September, but the decrease was modest and did little to dampen the robust growth that the global industry enjoyed in September. The Chinese government has intervened in its domestic market to discourage excessive discounting amid a price war between manufacturers, resulting in lower incentives in September. Still, the government continues to support sales through a trade-in scheme, keeping volumes healthy.

“October global sales are expected to decrease 2.3% from October 2024. Although many regions are likely to see stable volumes or slight increases in year-over-year terms, declines in North America and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) are expected to result in a modest global year-over-year decrease. Pressures on auto financing are constraining sales in Russia. The global selling rate is expected to reach 91.3 million units in October, down from a rate of 93.8 million units in October 2024.

“Trade tensions between the United States and China appear to be on the rise again, as disagreements over the export of rare earth minerals ramp up. However, the extension of government support to the Chinese market and a more upbeat set of recent results in Europe has led to upward revisions to the global light-vehicle forecast. We now see total 2025 sales at 91.2 million units, representing growth of 2.7% year over year.”

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

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

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

 

Fewer Failed Charging Attempts Signal Progress in EV Infrastructure, JD Power Finds

2025-08-12

jillian.breska

TROY, Mich.: 13 Aug. 2025 — Despite continued uncertainty surrounding National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, the electric vehicle (EV) public charging industry is showing strong signs of resilience and progress, according to the JD Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study,SM released today. Non-charging visits at public EV chargers (meaning an owner visited a charger but was unable to charge their vehicle) have hit their lowest level in four years, a clear indicator that reliability and customer experience are steadily improving. This milestone reflects the industry’s collective commitment to advancing public charging infrastructure even in the face of federal funding delays and shifting political landscapes. 

In this year’s study, satisfaction with DC (direct current) fast chargers is 654 (on a 1,000-point scale), a 10-point decrease from the same period a year ago, with notable declines in factors related to payment and cost. Satisfaction with public Level 2 charging has declined to 607, a 7-point decrease year over year. The study also reveals a notable improvement in charging reliability, despite lower overall satisfaction, with only 14% of all EV owners saying they visited a charger without successfully charging their vehicle—a significant decrease of 5 percentage points from 2024. 

“In the absence of NEVI funding, the industry is experiencing a concerted effort among various stakeholders in the EV ecosystem—particularly from automakers and charging networks—to improve the public charging experience for customers,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at JD Power. “With or without the federal funding, NEVI guidelines have made their mark by establishing a playbook for industry success. While overall satisfaction scores decline this year, our data shows clear improvement in the reliability and success of public charging—a promising sign of progress for the industry. As part of its analysis, JD Power also monitors public charging performance across the country by measuring failed charging attempts and availability, as well as providing critical data on where the customer experience is improving and where challenges remain.”

Following are some key findings of the 2025 study:

• EV owners aren’t thrilled with cost of charging: Satisfaction with cost of charging among users of both Level 2 and DC fast chargers declines this year to 459 (-16 points) and 430 (-16), respectively. For users of DC fast chargers, the cost of charging—one of 10 factors on which the study is based—is the least satisfying aspect overall. “Part of the decrease is due to non-Tesla owners using Tesla Superchargers, which deliver a far less satisfying user experience relative to the costs incurred, in comparison to those of Tesla owners,” Gruber said. “Additionally, in previous years, many DC fast charging networks kept prices low as they developed their market presence, while manufacturers regularly offered free charging incentives with vehicle purchases. However, as the infrastructure market evolves and electricity rates rise, charging prices have increased significantly in some cases, directly affecting the overall EV ownership experience.”
• OEM-branded DC fast charging networks show strong early performance: Tesla’s Supercharger network continues to lead the DC fast charger (DCFC) segment in customer satisfaction with a score of 709, despite a 22-point decline from last year. However, non-Tesla automaker-operated networks—including the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, Rivian Adventure Network and Ford Charge—collectively earn a satisfaction score of 709, on par with Tesla. These networks were not eligible for rank consideration in this year’s study due to their limited footprint, but early performance suggests manufacturers are successfully applying lessons from Tesla’s brand-level ecosystem. In comparison, third-party DCFC providers, which have the added challenge of targeting a broader audience, average a score of 591.
• Non-charge visits and availability vary by location: To better understand the EV charging experience, JD Power monitors non-charge visits and availability at public stations nationwide. The findings reveal that the Pacific region has the highest rate of non-charge visits (21%), with 12% of customers also reporting wait times for an available charger. In contrast, the East South Central region has the lowest incidence of both issues, just 7% for non-charge visits and 5% for wait times. Among major cities, EV owners in Seattle (25%) and Los Angeles (24%) report high rates of unsuccessful charging attempts, while a greater share of drivers in San Francisco (18%) and Denver (14%) experience wait times to access chargers. By far, the most common reason for non-charge visits is the charger being out of service or not working properly, which affects 60% of failed charging visits.
• First-time EV owners more satisfied than veteran EV owners: Across both public charging segments, satisfaction is higher among first-time EV owners compared with their more experienced counterparts. Overall satisfaction is 610 among first-time EV owners using Level 2 chargers and 592 among veteran EV owners. The satisfaction gap between newbies (654) and veterans (648) is smaller among DC fast charger users, however. A possible explanation for this trend is that veteran EV owners have higher expectations for technological advancements that aren’t quite being met by current vehicle and charger offerings. 

“While the expansion of DC fast chargers remains important, the data strongly indicates that increasing speed alone is not the solution to public charging challenges,” Gruber said. “Improving reliability, ease of use and addressing cost concerns are among a multitude of factors at play that must be prioritized to enhance the overall public EV charging experience. Faster does not always mean better.” 

Study Rankings

Tesla Destination ranks highest among Level 2 charging stations for a second consecutive year, with a score of 661. ChargePoint (628) ranks second. 

Tesla Supercharger ranks highest among DC fast chargers for a fifth consecutive year, with a score of 709. Red E (668) ranks second. 

The U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, now in its fifth year, measures EV owner satisfaction with two types of public charge-point operators: Level 2 charging stations and DC fast charger stations. Satisfaction is measured across 10 factors: ease of charging; speed of charging; physical condition of charging station; availability of chargers; convenience of this location; things to do while charging; how safe you feel at this location; ease of finding this location; cost of charging; and ease of payment.

The study is driven by a collaboration with PlugShare, the leading EV driver app maker and research firm. The study examines consumer attitudes, behaviors and satisfaction, setting the standard for benchmarking the overall experience of public EV charging. The 2025 study included 7,428 owners of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The study was fielded from January through June 2025.

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

About PlugShare
Based in El Segundo, Calif., PlugShare maintains the most comprehensive census of EV infrastructure in the world. They make the PlugShare app for iOS, Android and the web, the most popular EV driver app globally, in use by most drivers in North America and nearly 10 million EV drivers in 150+ countries worldwide. PlugShare also provides sophisticated data tools, APIs, reports, custom consulting, and comprehensive research on EVs for automakers, utilities, charging networks, government, and the rest of the EV industry. It operates the world’s largest EV driver survey research panel, PlugInsights, now with over 125,000 members.

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
Geno Effler, JD Power; West Coast; 714-621-6224; [email protected]
Shane Smith; East Coast; 424-903-3665; [email protected]

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