Cox Automotive Forecasts 2026 New-Vehicle Sales at 15.8 Million, Down From 2025 as Market Fragmentation Slows Growth
Cox Automotive projects U.S. new-vehicle sales to reach 15.8 million units in 2026, down 2.4% from 2025.Most auto market metrics are expected to decline modestly in 2026 after outperforming forecasts in 2025.Market fragmentation, shifting consumer dynamics and policy uncertainty will shape the industry in the year ahead.ATLANTA, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive, the world's largest automotive services and technology provider, today released its 2026 automotive industry outlook, projecting new-vehicle sales in the U.S. to hit 15.8 million units in 2026, down 2.4% from 2025 levels. Most forecasted metrics for the automotive market, according to Cox Automotive, are expected to be lower than in 2025, a year that outperformed most expectations. "The fact is, most vehicle sales metrics in 2025 were slightly stronger than many forecast – including us," said Jeremy Robb, interim chief economist at Cox Automotive. "Our 2026 forecast reflects a slowing market, but still a good one. While we're expecting most sales metrics to be lower compared to 2025, the expected declines are ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
