Cox Automotive reported that U.S. new-vehicle sales rose to a 16.3 million SAAR in March but remained down 8.7% year over year amid Middle East tensions and energy-market uncertainty.
Bloomberg's Javier Blas told the Odd Lots podcast that much of the conflict centers on access to the Strait of Hormuz and that countries’ exposure to energy imports and proximity to supplies will shape their vulnerability.
Cox Automotive's Jeremy Robb said tariff-driven pull-ahead volumes from last year complicate comparisons, with fleet sales a bright spot, retail share declining, and consumer inflation expectations climbing to 6.2% from 5.5%.
Blas also noted a recent oil glut that may ease immediate pressure but warned that uncertainty over supply disruptions means regional outcomes for fuel prices and potential shifts toward electric vehicles will vary.
This summary is based on coverage by The Autopian.
Read the full article at The Autopian.
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