In this episode of Dealer Driven, Camron Wilson and Michael Hayes sit down with Patrick Manzi, Chief Economist at the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), to break down what really happened in the auto market during Q1 2026 and what it means for the months ahead.

Even with winter storms and global uncertainty, vehicle sales held steady. But underneath that, there are clear shifts happening. The labor market is slowing, affordability remains tight, and global tensions, especially in Iran, are affecting fuel prices and supply chains.

They also talk through changing consumer demand. EV sales are showing true levels without the tax credits, hybrids are gaining traction, and used vehicles are even more important as buyers look for more affordable options.

Looking ahead to Q2, Patrick shares what could drive sales, from tax refund season to stronger used inventory, and what risks dealers should keep an eye on, including interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty.

If you want a clear, practical read on where the market stands right now, this episode gives you exactly that.

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Presented by The National Automobile Dealers Association
https://www.nada.org/

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