August New-Vehicle Sales Expected to Hold Steady
U.S. new-vehicle sales are expected to maintain a steady pace in August despite continued economic uncertainty. Cox Automotive forecasts a SAAR of 16.3 million, unchanged from July and slightly below the 16.5 million pace recorded a year ago. Total sales volume is projected at 1.35 million vehicles, down 8.5% year over year, although much of the decline reflects fewer selling days and Labor Day sales shifting into September this year.
Demand has remained resilient despite high gasoline prices, elevated interest rates, and weak consumer confidence. Cox notes that today’s new-vehicle buyers tend to have stronger credit and greater financial resources, making them less sensitive to broader inflation pressures. For fleets, the stable sales pace suggests the market remains relatively balanced, but interest rates, vehicle pricing, OEM incentives, and economic conditions will continue to influence acquisition costs and replacement decisions through the remainder of 2026.
Volvo Expands Connected Safety With Real-Time Hazard Alerts
Volvo is expanding its Connected Safety technology to give drivers earlier warnings of potential road hazards. In addition to existing alerts for slippery roads and vehicles with activated hazard lights, the system will now warn equipped vehicles about large animals, pedestrians and cyclists, roadwork, and accidents ahead. The expanded features will initially be available on the EX60 and EX90, with plans to bring them to Volvo’s -40, -60, and -90 model lines.
NHTSA Expands Investigation Into GM 6.2L V8 Engine Failures
NHTSA has opened an Engineering Analysis into continued failures of GM’s 6.2-liter L87 V8 after the automaker’s original recall remedy. The initial recall covered nearly 600,000 engines used in popular fleet vehicles including the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade. Engines that passed inspection were switched from 0W-20 to heavier 0W-40 oil in an effort to reduce the risk of crankshaft, connecting rod and bearing failures.