Related: How Strong Fleet Sales Have Kept Incentive Spend Low
Slow Start Expected to January New-Vehicle Sales
Retail sales have been trending downward in recent years and that trend is expected to continue as the industry’s supply of gently-used off-lease vehicles continues to grow.
January 30, 2020
Sales volume should total 1.11 million based on 25 selling days, which would be a 1% year-over-year decline.
Photo by Eric Gandarilla.
1 min to read
Cox Automotive forecasts a 16.7 million monthly selling rate in January, which would represent a relatively slow, but expected start to 2020.
Sales volume should total 1.11 million based on 25 selling days, which would be a 1% year-over-year decline.
This slow start is expected, as January is typically one of the slowest months for vehicle sales.
“Cold and cloudy weather mixed with a post-holiday shopping hangover usually results in little consumer interest and weak sales activity, and that’s what is forecasted for this January,” said Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive.
The overall vehicle sales pace is expected to trend lower in 2020, even as economic and consumer conditions remain strong.
Retail sales have been trending downward in recent years and that trend is expected to continue as the industry’s supply of gently-used off-lease vehicles continues to grow.
Fleet sales have grown in the last two years, according to Cox Automotive, and the strength in the fleet market has been helping to offset a declining retail market.
Continued growth in the fleet segment is uncertain, noted Cox Automotive.
More Used Vehicle Values
When Should a Fleet Repair Vehicle Damage Before Remarketing?
Not every dent, scratch, or mechanical issue is worth fixing before selling a fleet vehicle. Learn how to weigh repair costs, resale value, market demand, and downtime to determine when reconditioning pays off and when selling as-is makes more sense.
Read More →
Wholesale Used-Vehicle Values Fall as Cox Automotive Cuts 2026 Forecast
Wholesale used-vehicle prices declined in September as depreciation accelerated, prompting Cox Automotive to lower its year-end forecast.
Read More →
Ford Pro Launches Certified Pre-Owned Program for Commercial Vehicles
Ford Pro Advantage will offer certified pre-owned Class 1-7 commercial vehicles through more than 700 Ford Pro Commercial Vehicle Centers.
Read More →
August New-Vehicle Sales Pace Forecast to Hold Above 16 Million
Despite an expected 8.5% year-over-year decline in August volume, Cox Automotive forecasts a 16.3 million SAAR, with full-size pickups outperforming several major crossover segments.
Read More →
Trade Strategy Now Starts Long Before Turn-In
The strongest trade values aren't built at turn-in. Discover how maintenance, lifecycle planning, and shared risk protect truck resale value.
Read More →
What Happens When Residual Values Meet Real-World Markets
A truck's trade value isn't determined on turn-in day. Learn how market cycles, maintenance, and timing shape the gap between residuals and reality.
Read More →
Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June
The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.
Read More →
Stop Remarketing Electric Vehicles Like Gas Cars
The advantages and attributes of electric vehicles are upending the traditional remarketing cycle, requiring fleet sellers to rely on new factors and approaches detailed below.
Read More →
Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows
The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →