Slight May improvement came with risks to borrowers, lenders.

Many consumers shift from new for affordability, though some brands have robust new-EV sales month.

Cox Automotive index finds Q1 improvements but pessimism about Q2.

April tariff winds buffet consumers, ending upswing in conditions.

Overall April conditions didn’t benefit the consumer, especially those presenting more risk.

Mixed February conditions still produce highest Cox index reading in more than two years.

Cox forecast foresees tepid growth and a CPO decline.

January’s mixed conditions bring good and bad news for consumers.

Cox forecasts they’ll do as well this year despite expected obstacles.

Small 2024 shift shows they may have stopped declining from pandemic-era inflation.