According to Mobility Global (formerly S&P Global Mobility) the “global auto market is settling into a ‘new normal’ of uncertainty. Middle East risk is still in the mix, but oil prices and vehicle demand have held up better than the worst-case scenarios.”

“Against that backdrop, our near-term forecast moves mostly higher, except in Greater China, where soft consumer sentiment is still dragging sales and pulling production down,” said Mike Wall, Executive Director, Automotive Analysis, Mobility Global. “The important nuance: Chinese OEMs are leaning harder on exports to keep plants running, and that is reshaping pricing and competitive intensity across multiple regions.**

“At the same time, inflation is keeping buyers price-sensitive. Demand is resilient in many markets, but it can turn quickly if fuel prices rise, credit tightens, or confidence slips, especially in higher-priced segments where mix and margins move first,” said Wall.