April 2026 US auto sales to sustain Spring volume moves - S&P Global

Article Summary April 2026 US auto sales are projected to reach approximately 1.40 million units, according to S&P Global Mobility. April 2026 US auto sales Battery electric vehicle sales April sales volume is expected to drop compared to the year-ago period for the seventh consecutive month. Still, April’s sales pace should be sustained from March. April 2026 US auto sales are projected to reach approximately 1.40 million units, according to S&P Global Mobility. This would translate to an estimated sales pace of 16.3 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR); aligned with the 16.3-million unit SAAR reading in March, well below the 17.1-million unit pace of April 2025, but also another month of progress compared to the sales pace in January-February 2026. The incoming sales data for April shows no distinct signs of impacts from the war in the Middle East. Overall sales volume has remained steady and there has been no notable surge in new BEV sales due to higher fuel prices. Looking forward, S&P Global Mobility projects US auto sales volumes to reach 15.8 million units in 2026, an estimated decline of more than 3% from the 2025 level of 16.38 million units. The 15.8-million unit setting is slightly downgraded from previous expectations. “Given current conditions, April 2026 US new vehicle sales levels are expected to post a second month of solid, if unspectacular, results. These numbers are up from the chilly January and February demand pace and aligned with the March progress,” said Chris Hopson, manager of North American light vehicle sales forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. “We expect current geopolitical events to result in amplified new vehicle affordability headwinds for auto consumers, setting up potential volatility for month-to-month US auto sales levels and resulting in a mildly downgraded outlook for new vehicle sales in 2026.” April 2026 US auto sales Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales A notable downshift for BEV sales and market share was expected through the first half of 2026, as automakers and consumers alike adjust to post-incentive conditions. However, rising fuel prices since March have renewed interest in fuel efficent vehicles. Still, BEV share of new sales in March and April hasn’t reflected a meaningful advance. BEV sales are up from the immediate post-incentive expiration results realized from September 25-February 26, but remain down from year-ago levels. Some of the aforementioned OEM adjustments (inventory,strategy assessments) could be playing a role in new vehicle BEV share, while reports of a rise in BEV activity in the used vehicle sector could also be a contributor in limiting stronger new BEV sales advances in wake of surging fuel prices. The roll out of new BEV product over the course of 2026 should provide some additonal momentum for BEV sales along with sorting out of an answer to the question of how high could fuel prices remain, and for how long. Looking ahead: The impact of 2026 US auto sales The 2026 US auto sales market will continue to contend with affordability pressures and the impact of shifting EV policies. S&P Global Mobility will monitor the evolving sales environment as manufacturers and consumers adapt to changing incentive landscapes. What next? We provide invaluable insights derived from unmatched automotive data, enabling you to anticipate change and make decisions with conviction. Our expertise can help you optimize your businesses, reach the right consumers, and shape the future of mobility. Get a preview of our light vehicle sales forecast, covering 145+ countries. Download Data Sample This article was published by S&P Global Mobility and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global. Content Type News Release Themes Automotive Industry Forecast & Analysis