Government Shutdown Impact on U.S. Auto Industry

October 3, 2013; On the third day of the first partial U.S. government shutdown in 17 years, Congress needs to pass just one bill to fund the government.

In the meantime, the country waits, as does the automotive industry. The effects of the shutdown on the automotive sector are arising in a few different corners — perhaps most noticeably within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to Auto Remarketing, dealers and consumers should not expect to receive any notices from the NHTSA as long as Congress remains at an impasse. That said, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has been active in automotive lender compliance regulation as of late, will not be impacted by the shutdown.

In terms of the shutdown’s impact on auto sales, Edmunds.com chief economist Lacey Plache explained earlier this week that auto buyers have separated the economy from Congress in the past, and the industry most likely has little to worry about. Kelley Blue Book analysts told Auto Remarketing that effects on auto sales may depend on the length of the government shutdown. The Auto Channel says Duh?