2026 Automotive Market Outlook: Affordability and Demand

Special Guest - Tyson Jominy

Tyson Jominy, SVP OEM Solutions at JD Power, discusses affordability pressures, interest rates, lease returns, and why stable demand and mid-cycle conditions will shape dealer planning for the 2026 auto market.

In this episode you'll hear:

Why monthly payment defines affordability
How lease returns and interest rates will drive 2026 demand
Why service lanes are a key source of used inventory

Episode Breakdown

00:00 - Meet Tyson Jominy from JD Power
01:05 - Affordability and the role of monthly payment
03:29 - What longer loan terms mean for dealers
04:36 - Limited used supply and strong trade-in values
05:38 - Service lanes as a used inventory opportunity
06:49 - Does the 2026 demand outlook remain optimistic?
08:47 - SAAR forecast and vehicle price expectations
10:40 - Interest rate outlook and OEM-supported financing
11:46 - Leasing as an affordability strategy for dealers
12:33 - Fixed ops profitability and warranty impact

“I see there’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic for 2026. The industry has a lot of good tailwinds coming into ‘26. The industry has a lot of good tailwinds coming into 26.” - Tyson Jominy

For more information about our guest, visit their LinkedIn.