Although sales in May dropped to a level more in line with – in fact, slightly below – pre-tariff expectations after spiking above trend in the prior two months due to consumers trying to get ahead of potential tariff-related price increases, part of the cooling off was caused by the drain on inventory from the March-April surge. The drop in inventory, which at the end of last month was down year-over-year for the first time in nearly three years, helped explain a 10% decline in incentive spending in May from April, as there was less pressure to move stock off dealer lots despite the sharp slowdown in demand. That dynamic likely continues not just in June, but into Q3, as most automakers do not currently appear anxious to raise production levels enough to fully replace declining stock levels.
Click on graph for larger image.
This graph shows light vehicle sales since 2006 from the BEA (blue) and Wards’ estimate for April (red).
Sales in May were well below the consensus forecast.
This “beat the tariff” induced surge in buying happened in March and April.