JD Power Releases 2026 Auto Industry Outlook
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Sales Forecast: JD Power maintains its forecast of 16.3 million new vehicle sales for 2026, indicating strong consumer demand despite geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, suggesting that Americans continue to actively purchase vehicles.
- Price Increase Trend: The average retail transaction price for new vehicles is expected to rise by 2.5% to $45,859, which may impact consumer affordability and consequently exert pressure on overall sales figures.
- Manufacturer Incentive Spending: Manufacturers' incentive spending per vehicle is projected to reach $3,325, an increase of $165 from last year, indicating that manufacturers still have room to incentivize new vehicle purchases, reflecting the competitive nature of the market.
- Increased Industry Resilience: JD Power highlights that the auto industry has enhanced its ability to respond to market changes through more adaptive planning and diversified supply strategies, although the situation in the Middle East may introduce short-term uncertainties, the fundamentals remain strong for the industry.
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Analyst Views on GM
Wall Street analysts forecast GM stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 72.760
Low
57.00
Averages
95.06
High
122.00
Current: 72.760
Low
57.00
Averages
95.06
High
122.00
About GM
General Motors Company designs, builds and sells trucks, crossovers, cars and automobile parts and provides software-enabled services and subscriptions worldwide. The Company's segments include GMNA, GMI, Cruise and GM Financial. Its GM North America (GMNA) and GM International (GMI) develop, manufacture and/or markets vehicles under the Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC brands. The Company provides automotive financing services through its General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial) segment. Its Cruise segment is engaged in the development and commercialization of autonomous vehicle technology. Its software-enabled services and subscriptions, including OnStar, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and its end-to-end software platform. The Company is also focused on investing in electric vehicles (EVs) and AVs, software-enabled services and subscriptions and new business opportunities.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
JD Power Releases 2026 Auto Industry Outlook
- Sales Forecast: JD Power maintains its forecast of 16.3 million new vehicle sales for 2026, indicating strong consumer demand despite geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, suggesting that Americans continue to actively purchase vehicles.
- Price Increase Trend: The average retail transaction price for new vehicles is expected to rise by 2.5% to $45,859, which may impact consumer affordability and consequently exert pressure on overall sales figures.
- Manufacturer Incentive Spending: Manufacturers' incentive spending per vehicle is projected to reach $3,325, an increase of $165 from last year, indicating that manufacturers still have room to incentivize new vehicle purchases, reflecting the competitive nature of the market.
- Increased Industry Resilience: JD Power highlights that the auto industry has enhanced its ability to respond to market changes through more adaptive planning and diversified supply strategies, although the situation in the Middle East may introduce short-term uncertainties, the fundamentals remain strong for the industry.
See More
REalloys Builds Non-Chinese Rare Earth Supply Chain
- Market Potential: The rare earth magnet market is projected to grow from $20 billion to $30 billion by 2030, indicating strong demand growth, and REalloys is positioning itself advantageously through a non-Chinese supply chain to enhance its competitiveness in the global rare earth industry.
- Unique Supply Chain Advantage: REalloys' acquisition of PMT Critical Metals in Ohio ensures the only non-Chinese rare earth processing capability in North America, locking in 80% of production from the Saskatchewan Research Council, creating a formidable market barrier.
- Increased Compliance Pressure: Starting January 1, 2027, the Pentagon will enforce DFARS rules requiring defense contractors to prove the source of rare earths, banning Chinese materials, which positions REalloys favorably in compliance and reduces contract risks.
- Future Growth Potential: Demand for rare earths is expected to triple by 2035, and REalloys' expansion plans will make it the largest non-Chinese supplier, meeting the rapid growth needs in electric vehicles and wind energy sectors.
See More
REalloys Builds Non-Chinese Rare Earth Supply Chain
- Market Potential: The rare earth magnet market is projected to grow from $20 billion to $30 billion by 2030, indicating strong demand growth, positioning REalloys at the forefront to meet future supply needs.
- Unique Supply Chain Advantage: By acquiring PMT Critical Metals and securing 80% of production from the only non-Chinese processing plant in Saskatchewan, REalloys has established a dominant position in rare earth metal and alloy production, significantly reducing reliance on China.
- Increased Compliance Pressure: Starting in 2027, the Pentagon will require defense contractors to prove the source of their rare earths, banning Chinese materials, which will compel the industry to rapidly seek alternative suppliers, making REalloys' non-Chinese supply chain a critical competitive advantage.
- Significant Technical Barriers: REalloys' capability to produce rare earth alloys is difficult to replicate in the industry, particularly with elements like neodymium and terbium that perform exceptionally under high heat and stress, with production expected to reach 20,000 tonnes annually by 2028, solidifying its market leadership.
See More
Market Dynamics and Company Outlook
- Oil Price Fluctuations: Brent crude oil prices surged by 4%, surpassing $117 per barrel, leading U.S. gas prices to exceed $4 per gallon; while the S&P 500 is expected to open higher, the market faces cost pressures from rising oil prices, potentially impacting overall economic recovery.
- Marvell and Nvidia Partnership: Marvell shares surged nearly 10% after announcing a strategic partnership with Nvidia, which will invest $2 billion to enhance the connectivity of Marvell's custom processors with Nvidia's networking technology, thereby strengthening Marvell's competitive position in the AI chip market.
- McCormick Acquires Unilever's Food Business: McCormick announced a $45 billion deal to acquire Unilever's food business, which will significantly expand its market share in spices and condiments, despite reporting only 1.2% organic sales growth in the last quarter, enhancing brand influence.
- Wells Fargo Downgrades Ford: Wells Fargo cut its price target for Ford from $11 to $10 and reiterated a sell rating, with analysts concerned that the fallout from the Iran war will increase raw material and freight costs, potentially impacting the profitability of automakers.
See More
General Motors Extends Factory Shutdown Until 2026
- Extended Shutdown: General Motors has announced an extension of the shutdown at Factory ZERO until April 13, 2026, reflecting a broader slowdown in EV production that initially began around March 16, highlighting the severe reality of insufficient market demand.
- Production Adjustment Strategy: A company spokesperson stated that this adjustment aims to align EV production with market demand, as production at Factory ZERO had already been cut by approximately 50% earlier in 2026, indicating the challenges GM faces in the EV market.
- Employee Impact: Affected employees will be placed on temporary layoffs and may be eligible for subpay and benefits according to the GM-UAW national contract, which not only affects employee livelihoods but also reflects the financial pressures the company is experiencing during its EV transition.
- Significant Financial Losses: GM has incurred approximately $7.6 billion in writedowns related to its EV strategy, demonstrating poor returns on its investments in the EV market and exacerbating the company's strategic challenges in this sector.
See More
GM TO TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN DETROIT EV PLANT UNTIL APRIL 13, ACCORDING TO COMPANY STATEMENT
- Company Announcement: G M I D L I N G has announced plans to operate until April 13.
- Location: The operations are based in Detroit.
See More
JD Power Releases 2026 Auto Industry Outlook
- Sales Forecast: JD Power maintains its forecast of 16.3 million new vehicle sales for 2026, indicating strong consumer demand despite geopolitical and macroeconomic volatility, suggesting that Americans continue to actively purchase vehicles.
- Price Increase Trend: The average retail transaction price for new vehicles is expected to rise by 2.5% to $45,859, which may impact consumer affordability and consequently exert pressure on overall sales figures.
- Manufacturer Incentive Spending: Manufacturers' incentive spending per vehicle is projected to reach $3,325, an increase of $165 from last year, indicating that manufacturers still have room to incentivize new vehicle purchases, reflecting the competitive nature of the market.
- Increased Industry Resilience: JD Power highlights that the auto industry has enhanced its ability to respond to market changes through more adaptive planning and diversified supply strategies, although the situation in the Middle East may introduce short-term uncertainties, the fundamentals remain strong for the industry.
See More
REalloys Builds Non-Chinese Rare Earth Supply Chain
- Market Potential: The rare earth magnet market is projected to grow from $20 billion to $30 billion by 2030, indicating strong demand growth, and REalloys is positioning itself advantageously through a non-Chinese supply chain to enhance its competitiveness in the global rare earth industry.
- Unique Supply Chain Advantage: REalloys' acquisition of PMT Critical Metals in Ohio ensures the only non-Chinese rare earth processing capability in North America, locking in 80% of production from the Saskatchewan Research Council, creating a formidable market barrier.
- Increased Compliance Pressure: Starting January 1, 2027, the Pentagon will enforce DFARS rules requiring defense contractors to prove the source of rare earths, banning Chinese materials, which positions REalloys favorably in compliance and reduces contract risks.
- Future Growth Potential: Demand for rare earths is expected to triple by 2035, and REalloys' expansion plans will make it the largest non-Chinese supplier, meeting the rapid growth needs in electric vehicles and wind energy sectors.
See More
REalloys Builds Non-Chinese Rare Earth Supply Chain
- Market Potential: The rare earth magnet market is projected to grow from $20 billion to $30 billion by 2030, indicating strong demand growth, positioning REalloys at the forefront to meet future supply needs.
- Unique Supply Chain Advantage: By acquiring PMT Critical Metals and securing 80% of production from the only non-Chinese processing plant in Saskatchewan, REalloys has established a dominant position in rare earth metal and alloy production, significantly reducing reliance on China.
- Increased Compliance Pressure: Starting in 2027, the Pentagon will require defense contractors to prove the source of their rare earths, banning Chinese materials, which will compel the industry to rapidly seek alternative suppliers, making REalloys' non-Chinese supply chain a critical competitive advantage.
- Significant Technical Barriers: REalloys' capability to produce rare earth alloys is difficult to replicate in the industry, particularly with elements like neodymium and terbium that perform exceptionally under high heat and stress, with production expected to reach 20,000 tonnes annually by 2028, solidifying its market leadership.
See More
Market Dynamics and Company Outlook
- Oil Price Fluctuations: Brent crude oil prices surged by 4%, surpassing $117 per barrel, leading U.S. gas prices to exceed $4 per gallon; while the S&P 500 is expected to open higher, the market faces cost pressures from rising oil prices, potentially impacting overall economic recovery.
- Marvell and Nvidia Partnership: Marvell shares surged nearly 10% after announcing a strategic partnership with Nvidia, which will invest $2 billion to enhance the connectivity of Marvell's custom processors with Nvidia's networking technology, thereby strengthening Marvell's competitive position in the AI chip market.
- McCormick Acquires Unilever's Food Business: McCormick announced a $45 billion deal to acquire Unilever's food business, which will significantly expand its market share in spices and condiments, despite reporting only 1.2% organic sales growth in the last quarter, enhancing brand influence.
- Wells Fargo Downgrades Ford: Wells Fargo cut its price target for Ford from $11 to $10 and reiterated a sell rating, with analysts concerned that the fallout from the Iran war will increase raw material and freight costs, potentially impacting the profitability of automakers.
See More
General Motors Extends Factory Shutdown Until 2026
- Extended Shutdown: General Motors has announced an extension of the shutdown at Factory ZERO until April 13, 2026, reflecting a broader slowdown in EV production that initially began around March 16, highlighting the severe reality of insufficient market demand.
- Production Adjustment Strategy: A company spokesperson stated that this adjustment aims to align EV production with market demand, as production at Factory ZERO had already been cut by approximately 50% earlier in 2026, indicating the challenges GM faces in the EV market.
- Employee Impact: Affected employees will be placed on temporary layoffs and may be eligible for subpay and benefits according to the GM-UAW national contract, which not only affects employee livelihoods but also reflects the financial pressures the company is experiencing during its EV transition.
- Significant Financial Losses: GM has incurred approximately $7.6 billion in writedowns related to its EV strategy, demonstrating poor returns on its investments in the EV market and exacerbating the company's strategic challenges in this sector.
See More
GM TO TEMPORARILY SHUT DOWN DETROIT EV PLANT UNTIL APRIL 13, ACCORDING TO COMPANY STATEMENT
- Company Announcement: G M I D L I N G has announced plans to operate until April 13.
- Location: The operations are based in Detroit.
See More
