U.S. Auto Sales Projected to Dip in 2026 as Major Makers Report Mixed Earnings

Mobility Global, formerly S&P Global Mobility, projects U.S. auto sales to reach 15.82 million units in 2026, a decline of roughly 3 % year‑over‑year. Light‑vehicle sales for July are expected to hold steady, indicating a market that is stabilising rather than expanding.

Ford Motor Company raised its full‑year guidance but saw second‑quarter sales fall nearly 10 % YoY after a supplier fire, while EV‑related charges led to a $1.3 billion net loss. Toyota Motor Corporation lifted its annual earnings outlook after posting a 76 % YoY profit surge for the quarter ended 30 June 2026. Stellantis missed analyst forecasts but maintained its 2026 guidance, and Nissan Motor Co. reported a quarterly net profit of ¥3.8 billion (US$24 million) while also keeping its fiscal‑year guidance.

Chinese automotive brands accounted for 17 % of new‑vehicle sales in Mexico during the first half of 2026, up from 14 % the previous year, with sales rising to 137,525 units versus 107,712 a year earlier. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a proposal to expand Section 232 tariff offsets and highlighted a 50 % tariff on Canadian imports, reflecting ongoing trade‑policy scrutiny in the sector.