Insights on the Unruly Retail Vehicle Market

As the UAW strike continues, dealers are looking for answers to where the marketplace will shift, although even analysts say no one knows.

The best analysts can do at this point is read the metaphorical tea leaves that show how the market fared in September. The 15^th of that month is when the UAW strike began.

“Although the UAW strike has yet to generate a significant impact on the new-car market, with overall pricing and inventory conditions improving for consumers so far, September market data shows rising trends to watch,” says Kevin Roberts, director of industry insights and analytics at CarGurus. “The used market also hasn’t been immune to strike concerns, with inventory rising by 2.5% as dealers are likely looking to have more vehicles on hand in case a prolonged strike impacts new-vehicle availability.”

As Wards has reported, the strike has significantly impacted the availability of midsize pickups. So far, the influence on the Detroit Three’s new inventory has been “negligible” outside of the midsize pickup segment, CarGurus reports. Overall inventory for the Detroit Three is up 4.5% since Sept. 15, while strike-impacted midsize pickups are down 9.5%. The Ford Ranger is leading in declines, falling nearly 26%. 

 Now, analysts say the availability of some off-road SUVs is dwindling.

Consider these trends from CarGurus’s latest analysis to form your own opinion on where the new- and used-car markets may land: