Overview
Cox Automotive released updated full-year 2026 market forecasts on Dec. 17, covering new and used vehicles, leasing, fleet, certified pre-owned (CPO), and projections tied to the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index. The update was announced during the company’s Industry Insights and 2026 Forecast Call and is available for download. The firm emphasized an ongoing, quarterly review process to revise the outlook as market conditions evolve.
What the Update Covers
- U.S. new-vehicle and used-vehicle sales expectations
- Leasing trends
- Fleet sales performance
- Certified pre-owned activity
- Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (wholesale used-vehicle pricing trends)
The summary announcement included no specific figures; detailed projections are in the downloadable materials.
Process and Cadence
The Economic and Industry Insights team updates forecasts each quarter, adjusting for developments affecting sales volumes, pricing, financing, and fleet activity. The company noted it is closely monitoring tariff developments and will publish commentary as warranted, reinforcing a living-forecast approach into 2026.
Focus Areas and Context
The update underscores continued attention to leasing, fleet, and CPO segments, which have shifted since the pandemic. These segments influence retail supply and wholesale values and are captured across the aggregated forecasts. The December update did not include segment breakouts or targets in the summary.
Resources and Access
- Downloadable 2026 forecast materials
- Replay and slide presentation from the Q4 2025 Industry Insights and 2026 Forecast Call
- Insights hub with market updates, Auto Market Snapshot, presentations, and commentary
- Contact option for the Economic and Industry Insights team for follow-ups
- Email newsletter for ongoing updates
Intended Audience
The forecast package targets stakeholders across the automotive ecosystem, including dealerships, lenders, fleet operators, and remarketers tracking retail and wholesale trends.
About Cox Automotive and Manheim
Cox Automotive, a division of Cox Enterprises, spans retail, wholesale, data, software, and services. Brands include Autotrader, Central Dispatch, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, EV Battery Solutions, FleetNet America, Fleet Services, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, vAuto, VinSolutions, and Xtime. Manheim powers the wholesale marketplace and the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index featured in the forecast set.
