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Welcome to From the Newsroom, a roundup of news from Cox Automotive and perspectives from its analysts and experts on topics dominating the automotive industry.

2025 began like a whirlwind and shows no signs of slowing down as we enter February. Initial estimates of new-vehicle auto sales in January are slightly below the Cox Automotive forecast, reflecting the seasonal dip in sales and additional challenges — from extreme cold to major fire disruptions. Still, the market continues to show signs of momentum. 
 
In the Auto Market Report video published this morning, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke noted, “February has started with two major trends that are bound to impact the market. Tax refunds are flowing, and we have chaos with the announced 25% tariffs against our largest trading partners. If implemented, these tariffs would cause new- and used-vehicle prices to increase.”
 
Travel to NADA Show 2025 was challenging this year, but the convention was a huge success for attendees. The Cox Automotive leadership team came away amazed and energized by the resilience of the auto industry. They shared some of their thoughts in an article published this morning:
Historic Weather Challenges NADA Show 2025, Highlights Auto Industry’s Resilience
 
Congratulations: Cox Automotive announced Diane Maher, president and chief strategy officer of DP Fox Ventures LLC and president and chief operating officer at Fox Motor Group, as the 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year during NADA Show 2025. Congratulations, Diane!


Visit the Cox Automotive Newsroom for updates on the industry’s most important topics. Bookmark the Auto Market Snapshot, a one-stop dashboard for the data we are tracking.

January US Auto Sales Expected To Come in Slightly Below Forecast
 
The pace of new-vehicle sales in January was expected to slow month over month, partly due to harsh winter weather nationwide and normal seasonal patterns. Still, signs of momentum remain. New-vehicle sales in January increased compared to year-ago levels, as our team had expected; but initial results indicate that market volume likely came in slightly below our forecast.

The Cox Automotive forecast called for year-over-year growth of 5.2%, but early estimates suggest the increase was closer to 4%, as some automakers posted record January volume and others saw declines from January 2024 levels. Our market continues to be one of diverging stories. As Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke noted, while the macro view is one of growth, “actual experience may vary.”


Read the commentary.

Tariff Threats Likely To Accelerate Vehicle Demand

In the Auto Market Report published this morning, Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke reported on used-vehicle demand at the start of tax refund season and the potential impact tariffs might have on the new and used markets.
 
“The threat of tariffs is likely to add even more urgency to buying new and used vehicles, especially if applicable dates are in the future rather than immediate,” Smoke said.

 
Read the Auto Market Weekly Summary and watch the Auto Market Report.


And for additional perspective on how tariffs across the North American market may impact the auto industry, read our team’s quick take, which was posted earlier today: Tariffs Across North America Will Upend the Auto Industry

No Change in Rate Policy as Fed Waits for Evidence of Shifts
 
After its first meeting of 2025, the Fed left monetary policy unchanged. This followed three consecutive meetings last fall in which they reduced the Fed Funds Rate by a full percentage point.
 
In his latest commentary, Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke noted: “The Fed has communicated that it intends to be data-driven, but they have few new facts on detailed policy changes and little new data indicating much change in trends in the economy, labor market, or inflation. The Fed remains poised to see what unfolds.”

 
Read the Smoke on Cars commentary.

Historical Weather Challenges NADA Show 2025, Highlights Auto Industrys Resilience

Despite the weather-induced travel chaos, which had NADA Show 2025 attendees relying on every mode of transportation, from planes to trains to automobiles, the event showcased the automotive sector’s uncanny ability to adapt. The snowfall, while a logistical challenge, became a fitting metaphor for the industry’s resilience. Cox Automotive demonstrated remarkable adaptability and determination in response to the unexpected conditions, hosting 670 product demonstrations and 175 client meetings across the three-day event.

While attendees swapped travel tales on the show floor, the real buzz was focused firmly on the future of the auto industry. Attendees from Cox Automotive were energized by discussions about what lies ahead for the auto market and how new technology, new tools and new ideas will help the best and brightest of the industry thrive in the years ahead.

Check out some of the key takeaways from our leadership team.

Cox Automotive Presents Diane Maher With 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award

Cox Automotive announced Diane Maher, president and chief strategy officer of DP Fox Ventures LLC and president and chief operating officer at Fox Motor Group, as the 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year. 2025 marks the 20th presentation of the award, named in honor of the late Barbara Cox, a trailblazer in the business world and a director of Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Cox Automotive.
 
“Recognizing and celebrating remarkable women leaders in the automotive industry is deeply rooted in our values at Cox Automotive,” said Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive. “Barbara Cox, the namesake of this award, was a true pioneer – an entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for women in business. Diane Maher embodies that same spirit. Her success in leading DP Fox Ventures and Fox Motors, her unwavering commitment to improving her community, and her example of hard work and humility inspire us all, especially women aspiring to leadership in this industry.”

 
Read the press release.

Looking ahead:

The January Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index will be published on Friday, Feb. 7.

Ahead of next Wednesday’s report on the consumer price index (CPI), the most widely used measure of inflation, we will publish data on new-vehicle transaction prices in January from Kelley Blue Book. In the week of Feb. 10, we will publish analyses of new- and used-vehicle inventory at the start of February, according to vAuto Live Market View.

Contact us if you have questions or want to connect with the Cox Automotive Corporate Communications team.
Auto Quotes

“Our conversations at NADA were full of energy and optimism – for the near-term market outlook and the longer-term transformation of the industry through digital technology and AI. I am continually amazed at the resiliency of auto dealers in the U.S. and their never-ending push to improve the consumer experience and drive value for their businesses.”

Steve Rowley, President at Cox Automotive, shares his thoughts from NADA Show 2025.