S&P Global Mobility: U.S. Auto Sales Motor Along in August

Rhea-AI Summary

S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) projects U.S. auto sales to reach 1.43 million units in August 2025, maintaining momentum from July's strong performance. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) is expected to be 15.8 million units, slightly down from July's 16.4 million pace.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are showing significant growth, with market share expected to potentially exceed 10% in August, up from over 9% in July. However, analysts note uncertainty in sustained BEV development, particularly due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's auto policy implications and the upcoming expiration of federal EV incentives on September 30th.

The report highlights increased automaker incentives and loosening credit conditions, though these supports may indicate underlying demand weakness.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• SAAR declined to 15.8 million units from July's 16.4 million pace
• Increasing incentives and loosening credit conditions suggest weakening underlying demand
• Long-term BEV demand growth faces uncertainty due to new policy implications
• Potential BEV inventory constraints expected for September

Following the solid July result, new light vehicle sales in August are expected to post another month of volume gains

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- August 2025 US auto sales are projected to reach 1.43 million units, according to S&P Global Mobility. This would translate to an estimated sales pace of 15.8 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR), down slightly from the 16.4 million-unit pace in July but the second consecutive month of advancing sales from the mild May-June results.

"Auto demand in August is expected to carry some of the current momentum, as electric vehicle sales continue to support monthly volumes in advance of the September 30^th expiration of federal EV incentives," said Chris Hopson, Principal Analyst, S&P Global Mobility. "At the same time automakers continue to raise incentive levels and there are signals that credit conditions are loosening. While good for short term boosts, these signs also point to supports enhanced when underlying demand is weakening." 

U.S. Light Vehicle Sales
		Aug 25 (Est)	July 25	Aug 24
Total Light Vehicle	Units, NSA	1,431,600	1,370,061	1,412,345
	In millions, SAAR	15.8	16.4	15.1
Light Truck	In millions, SAAR	13.2	13.8	12.2
Passenger Car	In millions, SAAR	2.6	2.6	2.9
Source: S&P Global Mobility (Est), U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales

Sustained development of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales remains increasingly uncertain. The auto policy implications of the US Administration's recently passed budget bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, could further temper long-term BEV demand growth.

In the immediate term, even more month-to-month BEV sales and market share volatility is anticipated.  As expected, BEV share rose to over 9% in July, and we expect even further development, potentially 10% or greater, in August.  Dwindling BEV inventory could stem some momentum come September, but share should remain elevated in the third quarter, before receding in the fourth quarter.

To read the full report, visit S&P Global Mobility: www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/07/us-auto-sales.

About S&P Global Mobility

At S&P Global Mobility, we provide invaluable insights derived from unmatched automotive data, enabling our customers to anticipate change and make decisions with conviction. Our expertise helps them to optimize their businesses, reach the right consumers, and shape the future of mobility. We open the door to automotive innovation, revealing the buying patterns of today and helping customers plan for the emerging technologies of tomorrow.

S&P Global Mobility is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI). S&P Global is the world's foremost provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help many of the world's leading organizations navigate the economic landscape so they can plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/mobility.

Media Contact:
mobilitycomms@spglobal.com 

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SOURCE S&P Global Mobility

FAQ

What are S&P Global's projections for US auto sales in August 2025?

S&P Global projects 1.43 million units in August 2025, with a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 15.8 million units.

How has the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market share changed in 2025?

BEV market share rose to over 9% in July and is expected to potentially exceed 10% in August 2025.

What factors might affect BEV sales in late 2025?

Key factors include the expiration of federal EV incentives on September 30th, potential inventory constraints in September, and policy implications from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

How do August 2025 auto sales compare to the previous year?

August 2025's projected 1.43 million units and 15.8 million SAAR show improvement over August 2024's 15.1 million SAAR, with particularly strong growth in light truck sales.

What concerns does S&P Global raise about current auto sales trends?

S&P Global notes that increasing automaker incentives and loosening credit conditions, while boosting short-term sales, may indicate weakening underlying demand.