U.S. Motor Sales Fall: Expired EV Subsidies & Low Demands

U.S. motor vehicle sales report a decline in the month of October, mainly due to withdrawal of government subsidies for electric vehicles. The sales of light vehicles has dropped by 6% - a study conducted by Omdia reported. According to the report the figures have stabilized at 15.3 million units based on September sales. 

Following the expiration of government subsidies, the plummeting was dominantly seen in the sales of electric vehicles. Both the $7500 tax credit for new Ev’s and $4000 for the used ones were removed, which eventually led to disinterest among consumers in making EV purchases. Hence, EV sales saw a major setback with figures dropping massively from 98289 units in September to 74897 by the end of October. 

There are several interpretations regarding the drop in the sales of EVs. Economists warned that reduced consumer demands might result in a lower holiday sales season. The Senior economist at Nationwide Financial, Ben Ayers says, “Sharply lower EV sales reduces dealer volumes". Analysts also claim that apart from the consumers, the manufacturers are also affected by the introduction of new tariffs and the rise in the cost of production.

Without the support from the government with subsidies for EV vehicles, California’s goal to shift out of gasoline vehicles stands a confusion. Dealers will have to equally consider and probe into the new means of automotive marketing in car sales in 2025 to increase the profit and to ensure customer attention.