A New Automotive Market: Tariffs Persist, Chinese Competition Grows, and Profitability Shifts

How are tariffs, global competition, and shifting profit models changing the rules of automotive?In this episode of The Auto Market Brief, Erin Keating and Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb break down the latest economic data, dealer and automaker earnings, and the broader forces reshaping the automotive industry. While inflation showed signs of easing and the automotive market remains resilient, new challenges are emerging across the global landscape.Dealer profitability continues to evolve Public dealer groups reported resilient results, but profitability continues shifting toward fixed operations, parts, service, and F&I as front-end vehicle margins normalize.Consumer affordability pressures remain a concern Inflation has moderated, but household budgets continue to face pressure from higher costs, declining savings rates, and increasing reliance on credit.Global competition is reshaping the industry While North America remains a critical source of profitability for many manufacturers, Chinese automakers continue to gain influence globally, creating new competitive challenges across international markets. Tariffs are becoming a permanent business consideration Automakers are increasingly planning around tariffs, supply chain requirements, and trade policy realities rather than treating them as temporary disruptions.The discussion also explores automaker earnings, fixed operations growth, trade policy, connected vehicle security, supply chain strategy, and the growing role geopolitics plays in shaping the future of automotive competitionThe Auto Market Brief delivers timely data, clear context, and practical insight to help industry leaders make smarter decisions—what's happening now, and what's coming next.The Auto Market Brief is powered by Cox Automotive. For more industry insights and expert perspectives, visit our Insights Hub at Cox Automotive Insights.