26 February 2026
February 2026 US auto sales to bounce mildly
Article Summary
February 2026 US auto sales are projected to reach 1.19 million units, according to S&P Global Mobility.
S&P Global Mobility projects that February 2026 will realize a rebound from the slow January result, but new vehicle sales levels remain moderate.
February 2026 US auto sales are projected to reach approximately 1.19 million units, according to S&P Global Mobility. This would translate to an estimated sales pace of 15.6 million units (seasonally adjusted annual rate: SAAR), a mild bump from the 14.9-million-unit SAAR reading in January and sustaining the slow sales start to the year.
Looking forward, S&P Global Mobility projects US auto sales volumes to reach 15.98 million units in 2026, an estimated decline of 2% from the 2025 level of 16.38 million units, as an uncertain environment persists for auto sales levels.
“We expect that auto sales in February should thaw somewhat from the chilly January 2026 result but remain modest, with volume for the month below the year-ago period,” said Chris Hopson, manager of North American light vehicle sales forecasting for S&P Global Mobility. “The projected 6% rise from the month-prior result would be one of the smallest February-to-January growth rates of the past decade as auto consumers continue to face affordability issues.”
February 2026 US auto sales
Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) sales
A notable downshift for BEV sales and market share is expected through the first half of 2026, as automakers and consumers adjust to post-incentive conditions. BEV share of sales in February are estimated to be 5.6%, sustaining the approximately 6% share realized since October 2025.
The roll out of new BEV product over the course of 2026 should provide a floor for the downside, but little movement is expected for the sector in the first half.
Continued development of battery-electric vehicle sales remains increasingly uncertain. The auto policy implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and developing new regulatory standards could further temper long-term BEV demand growth.
Looking ahead: The impact of 2026 US auto sales
The 2026 US auto sales market will continue to contend with affordability pressures and shifting EV policies. S&P Global Mobility will monitor the evolving sales environment as manufacturers and consumers adapt to changing incentive landscapes.
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This article was published by S&P Global Mobility and not by S&P Global Ratings, which is a separately managed division of S&P Global.