U.S. Auto Sales Chartbook. October 2020

Summary

Sales of new vehicles have experienced a v-shaped recovery, increasing 36% in 3Q20 from the previous quarter. However, levels were 10% below the same quarter of the previous year. We expect total new vehicle sales to reach 14.5 million units in 2020, the lowest since 2012.

Key points

• Key points:
• Low interest rates, extended loan terms, a rebound in the stock market, higher personal savings, solid residential construction, and increasing preferences for car ownership have contributed to the resiliency of new vehicle sales.
• Yet, some segments like fleet demand remain subdued due to sluggish airline and tourism-related activity.
• Government support has helped consumers to repay auto loans, containing pressures on delinquency rates. Credit standards have tightened, nonetheless.
• Pandemic-induced disruptions in vehicle production put pressure on inventories of new units, directing demand to a better supplied used vehicle market.
• Electric vehicles declined by 41% yoy in 2Q20. Covid-19, the reduction of government incentives and the conflict between the federal government and the state of California over fuel economy standards will impact sales in the short-run.

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