Global Vehicle Sales Reached 91 Million Units in August
The automotive industry saw significant shifts in sales performance and pricing throughout the global market.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Buying/Selling
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Global light vehicle sales totaled 91 million units in August 2026. This performance was tempered by a 4% year-to-date decline compared to the same period in 2025.
Why it matters
Changes in Chinese policy left domestic markets exposed, while the expiration of U.S. federal EV credits in September 2025 significantly altered purchase patterns. Manufacturers have responded by increasing incentive spending to maintain momentum.
The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell to 206.2 in early September 2026, alongside an average new vehicle transaction price of $45,915. Additionally, average incentive spending per vehicle rose to $3,574 as interest rates remain at 6.6%.
The players
Manheim
This company provides the industry-standard index used to track wholesale used vehicle price fluctuations.
The details
While September 2026 global sales are expected to decline by 4.7% to 7.7 million units, U.S. retail expenditure is projected to rise 6.6% to $48.7 billion due to an extra selling day. The EV share of U.S. retail sales has dropped to 7.9%.
Timeline
September 30, 2025: Federal EV tax credits expired.
August 2026: Global light vehicle sales reached 91 million units.
September 1-15, 2026: Used vehicle wholesale prices decreased 1 percent.
September 2026: U.S. new vehicle sales are projected at 1,330,100 units.
2027: Expected shifts in Chinese market dynamics.
Roadmap
The automotive industry is currently navigating a period of reduced growth as it moves away from the post-pandemic sales boom. Manufacturers are balancing high interest rates and falling EV demand by increasing incentives to preserve their market share against global rivals.
Buyers currently face an average transaction price of $45,915 and interest rates of 6.6% on new vehicle loans. While used vehicle prices are showing a slight decline, shoppers should account for reduced tax incentives when evaluating the total cost of ownership.
The takeaway
Consumers should factor current interest rates and the absence of specific federal tax incentives into their vehicle purchasing budgets. Monitoring wholesale price trends can provide insight into potential future discounts at the retail level.
Further reading
Learn more about market trends in our Buying/Selling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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