Car sales move into the slow lane. Is the economy downshifting, too?

Core Insights - The U.S. economy experienced a boost in spring and summer as consumers rushed to purchase new cars to avoid tariffs and take advantage of expiring tax breaks [1] - Currently, there is a noticeable decline in car shopping activity among consumers [1] Economic Impact - The rush to buy new cars was driven by the anticipation of U.S. tariffs and the expiration of certain tax incentives, indicating a temporary spike in consumer spending [1] - The shift in consumer behavior suggests a potential slowdown in the automotive sector, which could impact overall economic growth [1]