In 2025, U. S. auto sales are projected to reach their highest point since 2019, according to industry experts. The reason? Lower interest rates and better affordability for new cars and trucks. Cox Automotive predicts around 16. 3 million new light-duty vehicles will be sold next year, slightly more than the forecasts from S&P Global Mobility and Edmunds, which estimate about 16. 2 million sales. This would be a jump from the expected 15. 9 to 16 million vehicles sold this year, marking the best sales figures since 2019.
The increase is likely due to several factors. One is the return to normal vehicle inventories, which means more cars to choose from. Automakers are also offering more incentives and discounts, making cars more affordable. Lastly, financing and loan rates are easing, making it cheaper to buy a new car.
"Things are looking up for car buyers, " said Jessica Caldwell, head of insights at Edmunds. "It's still tight, but the market is becoming a bit friendlier compared to the start of the year. "
One area seeing significant growth is entry-level and cheaper vehicles. The industry has been grappling with high prices and low inventories since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the average price for a new vehicle was $47, 465, down slightly from $47, 851 in 2023 but still much higher than the $37, 310 average in 2019.
