Cox Automotive Sees May Vehicle Sales Rebound to 16.1 Million Rate as Hybrids Tighten Supply
Updated
Updated · Car Dealership Guy News · Jun 4
Cox Automotive Sees May Vehicle Sales Rebound to 16.1 Million Rate as Hybrids Tighten Supply
3 articles · Updated · Car Dealership Guy News · Jun 4
Summary
16.1 million was Cox Automotive’s seasonally adjusted annual sales rate for May, up from 15.5 million in April and above May 2025’s 15.6 million pace.
6% year-to-date sales decline still reflects last year’s tariff-driven buying surge, which pulled demand forward into March and April 2025 and left early 2026 comparisons weaker.
78 days of supply and inventories about 10% above a year ago show dealers are stocked, but hybrid availability is the tightest as automakers shift output toward fuel-efficient models after gas briefly hit $4.50 a gallon in May.
3% shrinkage in the auto loan base points to mounting affordability pressure as higher rates, vehicle prices and ownership costs bite; the average repair bill has climbed to $720 from about $357 in 2018.
That mix of firmer May sales and rising cost pressure fits a broader market that has stayed resilient, with analysts saying higher-income buyers are helping cushion demand despite inflation and weak consumer confidence.