Latest news with #BrianMoody
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Auto tariff price hikes: When is the best time to buy a car?
According to an analysis from the Anderson Economic Group, auto and auto-part tariffs could add at least $2,000 to the price of vehicles. However, many automakers are absorbing costs or raising prices modestly. Kelley Blue Book executive editor Brian Moody joins Wealth to explain that buyers already in the market should act soon, as used car prices are set to rise with shrinking inventory. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Wealth here. 25% tariffs on imported cars and car parts are expected to create cost burdens of at least $2,000 per vehicle, according to an analysis from the Anderson Economic Group. And that estimate pushes upwards of $15,000 for certain electric vehicles and European and Asian luxury cars. Car companies are responding in kind. Hyundai, weighing 1% price increases across the board, according to Bloomberg. And starting July 5th, Ford will start raising prices on three Mexico-built models. Here with more, we've got Brian Moody, executive editor over at Kelly Blue Book. Great to have you here with us, Brian. Are we seeing some automakers mull price increases due to the tariff environment and how much do you expect will actually be passed on to the consumer? Well, it might vary model by model, but what we're seeing right now is that there hasn't really been much of a price increase on new cars. In fact, year-over-year, it's about flat, less than 1% of an increase on new cars. That's the average transaction price. But that's because certain automakers have chosen to sort of, you know, absorb that increase, while other automakers, Nissan specifically, have actually lowered the prices on specific models that are built here in the US. So some prices will go up, the ones that would be the most greatly impacted would be a car that arrives here to the US, almost already completely built. That's the car that's going to incur the largest tariff. And so, which companies are best navigating and best positioned, I guess, going forward to also navigate that tariff risk as it relates to the consumer price? Well, Hyundai Group is one that's positioned well, even though they are considering a 1% price increase across the board. But they do have a relatively new plant in Savannah, Georgia, which is positioned to build cars and SUVs for all of their brands, and that could be a wise move. Now, that was already in play long before the current crisis or the current administration. So that could have ended up being a wise move. Kia is also in a good position. Mercedes-Benz has actually said that they have their plant in Alabama, where they're going to ramp up production of models that maybe they did make outside the US, and they're going to build them here in the US. And those companies that can do that, that have the option of doing that, are going to be in the best position. Also, Ford builds a very large majority of their cars here in the US. So when is the best time to buy a car in this current environment right now? Well, if you're already in the market for a new car, and when I say that, I mean, don't let headlines move you into the new car market. Let's say you're already there, your lease is ending, you've had a wrecked car or your car just won't last any longer. Make that process speed up just a little bit. Don't jump in because you're afraid about what the prices are going to be if you have a good car now, but if you're already in the market, speeding that process up will help. I just don't see how waiting can help in any way, especially since we know used car prices were already going to go up, no matter what. And so, what is the outlook for the summer that you're anticipating? Um, gradually increasing used car prices, gradually shrinking used car inventory, a relatively healthy new car inventory, but prices, prices will gradually creep up on many cars that you typically thought of as low price. So what we don't know is how they're going to spread out the price increases. What we do know is that there probably will be increases. While we have you, Brian, we're also keeping tabs on the Republican tax bill that passed the House headed to the Senate. In the bill, there is a proposal for a tax break for car purchases. Americans would be able to deduct up to $10,000 a year in eligible auto loan interest. So how impactful could this be for buyers and what are some of the details from the best assessment that you've been able to kind of put together? Right. So that could be a very good thing for consumers. And here's why. The affordability of new cars has been decreasing, meaning they're just becoming more expensive, not just the price of the car, but the price of purchasing credit to buy that car, and the price of servicing and the price of parts. So that kind of relief could move more people into the market. You should still be reasonable and get a low-priced car based on your budget, but that kind of thing is the sort of hidden fee that many consumers don't like, the interest rate or the service plan. So it could help greatly. Another place to look for consumers is the used electric car market. That's a great place for some bargains. What are you making right now of just the sentiment among car brands, especially as we think about the EV landscape and how Tesla has been losing some of its, its luster internationally? Is that something that's also transpiring here domestically? Yes. Well, yes, but this past month, GM, Nissan, and Tesla had pretty good months because there was increases in their electric vehicles. And remember, Tesla only sells electric vehicles. But yes, Tesla market share will continue to go down and that's simply because there's more options. Think about when Tesla first introduced the Model S and the Model X, you know, years ago, there wasn't much competition. Today, there's plenty of competition from brands like Nissan, Ford, Honda, and others. Brian, great to see you. Thanks so much for taking the time here with us today. Thank you.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Autotrader Names Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2025
Expert Recommendations for New Grads Amid Volatile Automotive Marketplace ATLANTA, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When May comes around, many college graduates are in the market for a new getaway car as they race toward their exciting futures. To help guide grads toward making wise choices, Autotrader, a Cox Automotive brand, recently named the Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2025. Given looming tariffs* and volatile pricing in the automotive marketplace, it's more important than ever for car shoppers to maximize their research and consider the advice from experts. "College students are graduating into a very uncertain economic climate this year, which adds yet another layer into the massive purchase decision that is buying a new car," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "The most recent data from Cox Automotive reveals the average price of a new car in the United States reaches above $47,000, but we don't necessarily recommend new grads spend that much as they launch into their new phase of adulting. There are plenty of great vehicles, both brand-new and gently used certified pre-owned (CPO) models, that will fit the bill perfectly at a sub-$30,000 price point." All of the featured 2025 model-year vehicles make the grade when it comes to the Autotrader editors' three primary criteria for this list. First, candidates must have a starting price under $30,000,** including destination charge. Next, they must have a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). And finally, each car must have at least one cool feature that stands out to the editors. This cool thing may be functional, it might be part of the design, or it might be unexpected, but it is a feature grads will appreciate. Below, presented in alphabetical order by brand, are Autotrader's 2025 choices for the Best Cars for Recent College Graduates: Autotrader's Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2025 2025 Chevrolet Equinox 2025 Honda Civic 2025 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid 2025 Kia K4 2025 Mazda3 2025 Mazda CX-30 2025 Nissan Rogue 2025 Subaru Crosstrek 2025 Toyota Corolla 2025 Toyota Prius To learn more about the Best Cars for Recent College Graduates in 2025 from Autotrader, including each vehicle's standout cool feature, pricing details, photos, additional vehicle information and available inventory, visit *For the latest information on auto tariffs, visit **New-car pricing is expected to be volatile this year, so Autotrader cannot guarantee that listed cars currently under $30,000 at the time of publishing will stay that way all year with expected tariffs and price increases. For more information and news from Autotrader, visit follow us on Twitter at (or @Autotrader_com), Instagram at (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at and LinkedIn at About AutotraderAutotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive™ brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, vAuto®, Dealertrack®, NextGear Capital™, CentralDispatch® and FleetNet America®. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Autotrader Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
No charges filed against Dayton officers in death of 16-year-old Brian Moody
Apr. 1—A grand jury declined to indict two Dayton police officers in the deadly shooting of 16-year-old Brian Moody last summer. Two Franklin County assistant prosecuting attorneys served as special prosecutors in the investigation. Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. requested special prosecutors handle the investigation and then present it to a Montgomery County grand jury for the consideration of charges. "(Monday), a Montgomery County grand jury declined to return an indictment in this case," read a statement from the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office. "A grand jury only inquiries into whether or not a crime has been committed and, in this incident, whether any degree of unlawful criminal homicide occurred." On June 29, two officers were investigating a pop-up party in the 500 block of Negley Place. Partial body camera footage released by police last year showed an officer get out of a cruiser and attempt to talk to a teen, later identified as Brian Moody, as he walked away from police. "Come here and talk to me real quick," the officer said. When a woman asked "Who?" the officer responded, "This man right here," while gesturing at Moody. Moody can be seen turning back toward police before starting to run away. While running through a grassy lot, Moody turned and looked over his left shoulder at police and was shot. The body camera footage released by police ended before the officers fired. The two officers fired eight shots. Moody was hit once on the side of his left shoulder, which caused internal injuries, Dayton police Chief Kamran Afzal said previously. During a press conference last year, the chief said police fired the first shot when Moody turned and looked back at officers. "That's when the first shot is fired, when he's turning and it looks like something is in his right hand," Afzal said. "At least that's what the video shows." Police and an off-duty nurse provided medical care for the teen. Moody was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where he died. A Glock 17 that was modified to be fully automatic was found in the grass near the teen, Afzal said. It had 30 live rounds and one in the chamber. The two officers involved in the shooting have not been identified. Both were in their sixth year with the Dayton Police Department at the time of the shooting. They had a combined 18 commendations and one written reprimand each, one for body camera procedure and the other for improper Taser testing, according to the chief.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
7 Sports Cars That Will Have Massive Price Increases in Early 2025
With tariffs threatening to balloon the price of cars, sports car enthusiasts could be in for an even heftier hike on their favorite makes and models. Be Aware: Check Out: According to automotive industry experts Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book, and Zach Shefska, president and CEO of CarEdge, the following sports cars are likely to cause the most sticker shock in 2025. The Porsche 911 is one of the fastest-selling sports cars in the United States, according to Shefska. He noted the make has a mere 23-day supply, meaning it takes less than a month for Porsche to move every unit. With approximately 300 active Porsche 911s on the market, it's no wonder the cars — which have already increased in price by $6,000 since the start of the year — will continue to appreciate. But for anyone tempted to buy one, Shefska said there is one advantage: They have a high-performance combustion engine that keeps them in good shape for the long haul. 'You can hold on to 911s for decades, and they'll still retain a lot of their value,' he said. Explore More: Another Porsche making the list is the 718 Cayman. Shefska highlighted its sub-$100,000 price point and extremely low supply as key factors driving price increases. As a more accessible entry into Porsche ownership, the 718 Cayman is benefiting from the brand's reputation and the halo effect of higher-end models. 'Porsche recently said they're continuing their commitment to performance cars powered by combustion engines while continuing to offer interesting electric cars like the Macan EV, which will likely drive the prices up,' said Moody. The Chevrolet Corvette continues to be a standout in the sports car market, with Shefska pointing out its 'relatively inexpensive' price of around $70,000 compared to European exotics. That said, according to Shefska: 'Chevrolet has made it clear they want the price to go up, marketing it to compete with brands like Ferrari and McLaren.' Supply remains low, which is also likely to push prices higher. While the Ford Mustang remains a relatively affordable sports car, Ford's strategy of producing more high-trim models is driving up overall transaction prices. 'Many of the Mustangs sell for more than $50,000, which is pretty wild given the MSRP starts around $30,000,' said Shefska. Increased demand for performance-oriented trims and Ford's pricing strategies suggest that Mustang prices will continue to climb. The BMW M2 Coupe is another model with strong enthusiast demand and a tight supply, making it likely to see price increases. 'It only has a 37-day supply and it has a cult following, because it's the most compact M model still in production,' Shefska explained. It's no surprise the Ferrari F80 and McLaren W1 are on this list. According to Moody, both are ultra-high-performance models with low supply, both designed to appeal to true enthusiasts. He added the cache from these models could have a ripple effect on other models from these brands. 'The rare and exotic nature of those cars could have an upward push on the price of other Ferrari and McLaren cars like the 296 GTB and the Artura Spider,' he said. More From GOBankingRates Who Would Benefit the Most from Trump's Social Security Tax Plan 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 20257 Things You'll Be Happy You Downgraded in Retirement This article originally appeared on 7 Sports Cars That Will Have Massive Price Increases in Early 2025
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
What's Up with the Wagon Market in the U.S.?
The U.S. wagon market peaked in the mid-Seventies, when dozens of offerings flooded the category and these middle-class suburban schleppers accounted for 10 percent of new-car sales. In subsequent decades, however, new automotive forms—the minivan, then the SUV—found favor as family haulers, and the longroof's popularity plummeted. It is now at its nadir. In the past five years, wagon sales have flatlined, hovering at just over 1 percent of the U.S. market, and nearly all of that is the Subaru Outback. What about the sport/luxury wagons that we love? 'That's been right around 0.2 percent,' says Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision, a research and consulting firm. 'It's an insignificant part of the market. But even 0.2 percent of 16 million sales is 32,000 cars.' Enough to keep some manufacturers interested, if capriciously. At the low end of this category, in 2019, Volkswagen discontinued its Golf Alltrack and Golf SportWagen models. After 2023, Mercedes offered its long-running E-class wagon solely in jacked-up 4Matic All-Terrain guise, no longer sending the U.S. the robust AMG E63 iteration. Volvo, which is defined in this country by its wagons, similarly just canceled its V60 T8 Polestar Engineered wagon, offering the States this mid-sizer, and the larger V90, only in lifted Cross Country form. Meanwhile, BMW has decided to bring its racy, $122,000 M5 Touring to the U.S. for the first time while denying Americans any other 5-series (or 3-series) estates. This echoes Audi's likely strategy shifts. While Audi currently offers its Avant in compelling hot-rod RS6 guise at nearly $128,000, the recently announced replacement of the A4 with the A5 hatchback seems likely to kill off the A4 Allroad wagon here, and the automaker has hinted that the U.S. won't receive the handsome standard next-gen A6 wagon either. Likewise, Porsche has purged American variants of its gas-powered Panamera Sport Turismo wagon while maintaining a half-dozen versions of its electric Taycan Cross Turismo. Why all of this movement? Well, the pie slice available is minuscule, so automakers battle to cross-section it as best as possible. 'They're trying to use whatever they have to outmaneuver the competition,' says Brian Moody, an analyst at Cox Automotive. 'So if they can offer one little advantage to the buyer, they'll try that. And if that doesn't work, they shift and try something else.' For BMW and Audi, the decision to lead with boss wagons is predicated on consumer demand. 'We received literally thousands of inquiries from customers asking us to bring the RS6 Avant to the U.S., as the predecessor was not offered in our market,' an Audi spokesperson says. A BMW spokesperson echoes this reasoning: 'We've had an outpouring of customer enthusiasm for high-performance wagons here since the launch of the M3 Touring in other markets.' These German archrivals also disdain ceding sales to each other, no matter how niche. 'Frankly, we were the creators of the performance-wagon segment with the 1994 RS2, and we have offered RS4, S4, RS6, and S6 Avants over the years,' the Audi spokesperson says, throwing impressive shade. 'So we were ahead of all the competitors.' Mercedes and Porsche spokespeople both cited diminished market returns from the performance-wagon subsegment as the reason for their departure. But Volvo, which has perhaps the most complex brand relationship with high performance here, seems conflicted about abdicating. The automaker's CEO recently said there's a possibility its future won't have any wagons at all. That doesn't mean all love is gone for its long-roofed models, though. 'There's always been a small group of discerning enthusiasts who also appreciate something rare, unique, and maybe even unexpected,' a Volvo spokesperson says. 'From a volume perspective, a V60 T8 Polestar Engineered is more exclusive than many exotics.' This sentiment aligns with Strategic Vision's data, which cites these wagons' exclusivity as key to their appeal. 'The thing luxury-wagon buyers want most from their vehicle is a sense of individuality, something that makes them stand apart,' Edwards says. 'A wagon is like a convertible. It's 'I've got a vehicle that nobody else has.'' Yet these vehicles are stealthier than a drop-top. 'They offer great dynamics with exceptional functionality that allows customers to stand out without screaming 'Look at me,'' the Audi spokesperson says. Edwards's findings corroborate this. 'Owners believe these luxury wagons are significantly more refined,' he says, than offerings in other high-performance and exclusive vehicle categories. Wagon buyers are, not surprisingly, a particular lot. According to Edwards's data, they're 12 percent younger than the average luxury-vehicle buyer. They're 44 percent more likely to identify as Democrats. And they are significantly more likely to live on the coasts. Audi and Mercedes note that of their entire customer base, these owners have some of the highest household incomes, and they are among the most loyal and passionate as well. 'It's such a weird group,' Edwards says, in sum. So what's the prognosis here for wagons? It's anyone's guess. Volvo's rep hints at shapes that defy categorization. 'As technology evolves,' he says, 'we are confident there will be new styles and approaches that will quickly become as iconic as the wagon.' And against expectations, Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes all suggest that we may see the category diversify, especially given the upcoming electrification offensive. 'Given the handling, aero, range, and other advantages, maybe it's time for the Avant to make a comeback,' the Audi spokesperson says. Edwards is not so certain. 'My guess is that market share for these vehicles will shrink in 2025 as OEMs offer more unique options,' he says. 'So, consumers who want to express their individuality can do so in other ways—with electrification and other features out there.' This raises the question of why these automakers send wagons here at all. 'There is still a global marketplace where some of these platforms have some relevance,' Edwards says. 'The Germans and Swedes have always been more interested in wagons. It's part of who they are. So, not doing a wagon seems counterproductive for what they think they represent.' He pauses. 'The real answer is, frankly, hubris.' You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
