Total new-vehicle sales didn't grow for the first time since the Great Recession, but the American International Automobile Dealers Association said last week its member dealers remain optimistic about 2018.
Underperforming van and car segments led to a decline in J.D. Power's used vehicle price index in November, a reversal from the index's previous three months of consecutive growth.
The fourth-quarter reading of the Cox Automotive Dealer Sentiment Index shows dealers are optimistic about the next three months. Concerns about price pressure and showroom traffic persist.
New-vehicle transaction prices are being driven higher by the shifting sales mix away from cars. Ford’s strong mix of F-Series Super Duty sales for the month helped drive up the automaker’s average transaction price by nearly 3%.
EFG Companies issued its 2018 predictions and recommendations for the retail automotive and powersports F&I markets this week. These insights reflect another year of cautiousness as well as opportunity for dealers to navigate an uncertain business climate.
Transaction prices continue to rise at a slower pace, with the third-quarter average up just 1% after averaging 3% gains in the first half of the year. And while KBB expects solid sales in October, flat transaction prices combined with ever-growing incentive spending signal headwinds for the new-vehicle market as the year nears its close.
Total revenue and gross profit were down 5% and 2% from a year ago, respectively, with Hurricane Irma having a significant impact on sales in the group’s core Florida and Georgia markets. F&I was a bright spot, with total gross profit up 4% and the group’s per-copy average increasing by $142 from a year ago to $1,547.
Despite the expected decline, October looks to be relatively strong on strong replacement demand in hurricane-impacted states and higher incentive spending. Kelley Blue Book analysts, however, believe these are indicators that new-vehicle demand is still contracting.
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index reached a record high in September for the fifth consecutive month, while the SAAR rose to its highest September reading in three decades. The main driver was replacement demand caused by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
Despite a few political and economic setbacks, 2017 is expected to be one of the highest performing years on record in terms of auto sales. They key going forward is the Trump Administration’s ability to turn its pro-business campaign rhetoric into reality.
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