Xin Hua Cai Jing·2025-07-02 07:32Group 1 - The U.S. automotive market is experiencing a significant slowdown after a brief sales peak, with June new vehicle retail sales expected to hit a one-year low, indicating the end of the "tariff panic" buying spree [1] - In March and April, U.S. consumers rushed to purchase vehicles to avoid potential cost increases, resulting in an additional 173,000 vehicles sold, marking the highest growth in recent years [1] - From mid-May onwards, market demand has noticeably weakened, with June projected to be one of the worst-performing months in the past year [1] Group 2 - Different brands are showing varied performance amidst the overall sales slowdown, with Kia's second-quarter sales up approximately 5% and Ford achieving double-digit growth [2] - Luxury brands and niche models are losing market share as consumers shift towards more cost-effective mainstream brands [2] - Despite the implementation of tariff policies, new vehicle prices have not yet seen a direct increase, although Ford, Subaru, and Toyota have announced price hikes for certain models [2] Group 3 - The average transaction price for new vehicles in the U.S. reached $46,233 in June 2025, an increase of $1,400 compared to the same period last year [2] - Supply chain disruptions, particularly for critical components like rare earth magnets used in electric and hybrid vehicles, could further elevate market prices if not addressed [2] - The automotive industry faces a challenging outlook due to the cumulative effects of tariff policies, economic uncertainty, and rising purchase costs, making the upcoming months crucial for assessing the impact of these changes [3]