Episode Details

How much is fuel economy shaping today's automotive market? More than ever. From wholesale values and consumer demand to product planning, fleet investments, and federal regulations, efficiency is becoming a defining force across the industry.

In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, host Erin Keating is joined by Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb to explore the latest economic and automotive market developments. They discuss stronger-than-expected GDP revisions, rising interest rates, evolving consumer behavior, and what new market data reveals about the growing impact of fuel economy on vehicle values.

A Stronger Economy, Higher Rates
Jeremy breaks down the latest GDP revisions, which point to a more resilient U.S. economy than many expected. The conversation also examines rising bond yields, increasing auto loan rates, and how financing costs continue to influence vehicle affordability and purchase decisions.

Fuel Economy's Growing Influence on Vehicle Values
New analysis from Cox Automotive's Manheim Market Insights team reveals a clear relationship between fuel economy and depreciation. As fuel efficiency increases, vehicles are retaining value more effectively, with some of the highest-MPG segments showing appreciation. The discussion also highlights continued strength in used EV values despite increasing off-lease supply and ongoing inventory growth.

From Regulations to Product Strategy
Erin reviews NHTSA's finalized CAFE standards, developments in commercial fleet electrification and autonomous trucking, and the growing role efficiency plays in automaker decision-making. The episode concludes with insights from Hyundai's redesigned 2027 Tucson launch, including the company's expanding hybrid strategy and investment in U.S. production capacity.

The episode also covers compact vehicle performance, consumer adaptation in an affordability-constrained market, Tesla Semi fleet adoption, FedEx's commercial EV investment, battery-retrofit solutions for trucking fleets, and Hyundai Motor Group's competitive momentum.

The Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what's happening now, and what's coming next. 

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