Auto Market Trends: Affordability, EVs & What’s Next

About this episode

Emmaline Aliff discusses the current auto market trends with Jeremy Robb, focusing on affordability, EVs, and economic factors influencing consumer behavior.

Emmaline Aliff sits down with Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb to unpack the forces reshaping today’s auto market—from affordability pressures and credit expansion to the growing wave of used EVs. As consumers navigate rising costs and lenders adapt to shifting risk, the conversation explores what’s really driving demand—and what dealers and lenders should watch next. In this episode: What is driving the current auto market in 2026? The auto market is being shaped by a mix of macroeconomic forces, including inflation, interest rates, tariffs, and consumer affordability challenges. At the same time, credit availability is expanding, creating a complex environment where demand persists despite financial pressure. What is a K-shaped economy and how does it impact auto buyers? A K-shaped economy means higher-income consumers are thriving while lower-income consumers face increasing financial strain. In the auto market, this results in strong demand for high-end vehicles while affordability challenges push many buyers toward used cars—or out of the market entirely. Why is affordability such a major issue in the auto industry right now? Affordability is being impacted by…

People in this episode

Host: Emmaline Aliff

Guest: Jeremy Robb

Topics covered

• auto market trends
• affordability
• electric vehicles
• credit availability
• macroeconomic forces
• consumer behavior

Keywords

• auto market
• affordability
• EVs
• credit expansion
• macroeconomic forces
• K-shaped economy
• consumer demand

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cox Automotive, Equifax

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