U.S. light-vehicle sales are falling short of last year’s pace despite a solid June performance, which helped boost a modestly stronger second quarter. The slowdown is being fueled by declining consumer confidence, with affordability pressures and economic uncertainty weighing heavily on buyers. Analysts suggest that rising costs and financial caution are pushing potential customers to the sidelines, even as automakers had shown signs of recovery earlier in the year. The trend highlights ongoing challenges in the market as demand struggles to keep up with pre-pandemic levels.
Despite a strong June that capped a slightly higher second quarter, U.S. light-vehicle sales are pacing below last year’s levels, and weaker consumer confidence driven by affordability concerns and ...
