Oct. 5, 2025 | Bonus Episode: Analysts Jessica Caldwell, Stephanie Valdez Streaty on market trends
About this episode
Market trends and the impact of tariffs on vehicle pricing are the focal points of this episode. Analysts Jessica Caldwell from Edmunds and Stephanie Valdez Streaty from Cox Automotive discuss the implications of the end of federal EV incentives and the challenges EV makers face in increasing market share by 2030. They explore consumer behavior regarding trade-ins and the hesitancy in pricing announcements for the 2026 model year, highlighting how tariffs are subtly influencing costs without drastic price hikes. The conversation provides valuable insights into the evolving automotive landscape.
Stephanie Valdez Streaty, Cox Automotive’s director of industry insights, talks about what electric vehicle makers will need to accomplish to hit 25 percent of the light-vehicle market by the end of the decade. Plus, Edmunds Head of Insights Jessica Caldwell weighs in on how tariffs are affecting 2026 model year vehicle pricing so far.
model year
"about how tariffs are affecting model year 2013."
The model year is the year a car is made and sold. It helps people know how new the car is and what features it might have.
The model year refers to the year a vehicle is manufactured and released for sale. It is important for consumers as it can affect the vehicle's features, technology, and resale value.
tariffs
"about how tariffs are affecting model year 2013."
Tariffs are extra taxes on things that come from other countries. They can make cars more expensive and affect how many are sold.
Tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods, which can affect the pricing and availability of vehicles in a market. They can lead to higher costs for manufacturers and consumers.
EV incentives
"about what the end of the federal EV incentives this past week will likely mean for the market going forward."
EV incentives are discounts or tax breaks given by the government to help people buy electric cars. They make electric cars cheaper and encourage more people to use them.
EV incentives are financial benefits provided by governments to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. These can include tax credits, rebates, or grants aimed at reducing the overall cost of EVs for consumers.
Tesla Model Y
"...ntinues to grow and resonate. You think about the Model Y and Model 3 and how impactful those were. I wish ..."
Tesla Model 3
"You think about the Model Y and Model 3 and how impactful those were. I wish Tesla would have come out as an affordable EV."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller electric car from Tesla that is more affordable than their other models. It's popular because it can go far on a single charge and is fun to drive.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that has become one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide. It is known for its affordability compared to other Tesla models and offers impressive range and performance.
trim levels
"...changes in vehicle contenting, trim levels, and then potentially what we've been talking about for quite a long time..."
Trim levels are different versions of a car model that offer various features. For example, a higher trim level might have better technology or more comfortable seats.
Trim levels refer to the different versions of a car model that come with varying features and options. Higher trim levels usually include more luxury features and technology.
MSRP
"...But it seems like from, at least from the MSRP's changes that we are seeing, they're not necessarily going up massively for 2026..."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for how much a car should cost.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It serves as a guideline for dealerships and consumers during the buying process.
vehicle trade-ins
"...the trend that also we've talked about too is that we're seeing older trade-ins come in so people have been on the sidelines..."
A vehicle trade-in is when you give your old car to a dealership to help pay for a new one. It can change how much used cars cost and how many are available.
Vehicle trade-ins occur when a consumer offers their old car to a dealership as part of the payment for a new or used vehicle. This process can affect the pricing and availability of used cars in the market.
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