Projected Decline in U.S. Auto Sales Predicted for Second Half of 2024

Money | June 25, 2024, 12:34 p.m.

A recent cyber attack on CDK Global, a software provider for dealerships, has caused significant disruption for approximately 15,000 dealerships in the U.S. and Canada. This incident comes at a time when the auto industry is facing challenges in maintaining the momentum of the first half of the year. While U.S. auto sales are expected to increase by 2.9% compared to last year, concerns are rising due to factors such as growing vehicle inventory levels, increasing incentives, and uncertainty surrounding the economy, interest rates, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Cox Automotive predicts a slowdown in sales growth during the second half of 2024, with a projected 1.3% increase compared to 2023. Commercial sales are driving this growth, as consumer sales are less profitable. Overall, experts anticipate a period of weakness in the coming months, but not a complete collapse in the industry.