New Vehicle Inventories, Sales Stay Steady
Economic headwinds are not deterring sales, Cox Automotive analysts find.

Steady supply and higher incentives have kept sales strong despite rising interest rates.
Andrea Piacquadio
New-vehicle inventories continue to rise as new vehicle sales stay steady despite economic headwinds, according to data from Cox Automotive and the Automotive News Research & Data Center.
Cox Automotive estimates U.S. new-vehicle inventory at 1,928,619 vehicles, which represents a 52-day supply. That’s up from 1,904,958 vehicles, or a 53-day supply, in April, and is 71% higher than May 2022.
Supply has increased significantly compared to 2022, but it remains much lower than historical levels. Cox estimates days’ supply based on the selling rate of the previous 30-day period.
Steady supply and higher incentives are keeping sales strong despite rising interest rates, according to Cox analysts. According to Cox, the new-vehicle market should remain strong into the second half of 2022, unless the economy experiences tighter credit or more job losses.
Midsize, compact, subcompact and high-performance cars are the only vehicle segments with less than a 40-day supply, according to Cox data. High-end luxury cars, full-size cars, electric vehicles and “uber-luxury” vehicles all report over 80-day supplies.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Charger Network Growth Slows
Despite a projected increase in public EV chargers in 2026, charging infrastructure remains a top concern for consumers as the gap between the most and least EV-friendly places remains substantial.
Read More →
Lenders, Consumers Take on More Auto Loan Risk
September records loosened credit access the most in over a decade as buyers took advantage of the conditions to afford trading, though loan applications fell.
Read More →
Next-Gen Hybrids in Sight
Dealerships can expect to see revamped hybrids from Honda next year as the company rolls out a new system and model lineup.
Read More →
Gem State Stores Change Hands
A larger auto group founded in the industry’s early years sold two franchises to a neighbor group that's on a growth spurt.
Read More →
Charging In Motion
Honda has been researching wireless in-motion charging for electric vehicles since 2025, and new technology developments have put it a step closer to a final product.
Read More →
Twin Cities Stores Sell
Minnesota-based Walser Automotive Group made what it called the most significant acquisition in its history with a three-rooftop deal in Minneapolis.
Read More →
U.S. Auto Sales Still Below Prepandemic Levels
Mobility Global industry observers don’t expect the market to return to the higher volumes that became routine before Covid but to stay well below its potential.
Read More →
The Powertrain Shift
Electric-vehicle owners are backpedaling, according to new data, with product availability driving many to shift back to gas-powered engines.
Read More →
Achromatic Autos
The shades that dominate the U.S. car market don’t call attention to themselves, though grayscale may have plateaued after a 30-year upswing, research shows.
Read More →
Used-Vehicle Affordability Worsens
Listing prices in August defied seasonal trends, rising above $27,000 for the second time this year.
Read More →