Already strong demand is making sector loan rates actually rise. That could combine with falling supply, production to cut sales.

The new frontier of used-vehicle acquisition and F&I's pivotal role

Cheaper models prove particularly hard to come by.

Sales defy extreme weather and newer models pumping up prices.

Prices down as inventory, incentives head in the other direction.

Subdued spring sales due to affordability issues pad inventory, except for the least expensive vehicles.

U.S. market is still weighted toward luxury models, though, and consumers are pinched because their incomes haven’t kept pace with the increases.

Early figures put volume up 1.4%, SAAR also up on higher inventory, incentives.

Used sales, buoyed by EV shoppers, cut into supply while harsh winter put a damper on new-vehicle business, padding inventory.

Inventory was up in December, but delayed pandemic effects on new-vehicle sales still to be felt.