Although sales in May dropped to a level more in line with – in fact, slightly below - pre-tariff expectations after spiking above trend in the prior two months due to consumers trying to get ahead of potential tariff-related price increases, part of the cooling off was caused by the drain on inventory from the March-April surge. The drop in inventory, which at the end of last month was down year-over-year for the first time in nearly three years, helped explain a 10% decline in incentive spending in May from April, as there was less pressure to move stock off dealer lots despite the sharp slowdown in demand. That dynamic likely continues not just in June, but into Q3, as most automakers do not currently appear anxious to raise production levels enough to fully replace declining stock levels.
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U.S. Light-Vehicle Sales Growth Slows in May After March-April “Tariff” Surge
The Analyst Team
Haig Stoddard
Follow AnalystPrincipal Analyst, Forecast & Markets
Haig has followed the auto industry for over three decades, starting as a reporter and editor for Wards Automotive Reports, then transitioning to an automotive market analyst. He analyzes market trends related to new-vehicle demand, production, and powertrain take-rates, and forecasts vehicle connectivity and automation levels
Haig focuses on tying together demand, vehicle production, and powertrain trends. He also has created and co-created several of the company’s current analytical outputs related to forecasts, plant capacities, product cycle plans, market segmentation, and future vehicle propulsion reports. Currently, he supports the Wards Intelligence database and produces regularly scheduled and custom subscription-based posts tied to North American production, sales analysis, forecasts, and general global market analysis. He also is working on projects to help expand the company’s coverage of future trends by creating vehicle-based forecasts related to factory-installed equipment, such as ADAS and mobility.
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