product · May 21, 2026
S&P Global Ratings cuts global light vehicle sales forecast citing China demand and energy costs
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S&P Global Ratings lowered its global auto sales forecast on May 21, 2026, projecting annual light vehicle sales to decline by about 90 million units from 2026 to 2028 versus 92 million units sold in 2025. The firm expects a 1% to 3% decline in 2026 followed by a 1% to 3% recovery in 2027 due to weakening China demand and rising energy costs from the Middle East situation. U.S. light vehicle sales are forecast to decline 3% to 5% in 2026 after 16.4 million units in 2025. Automakers including Ford, GM, Stellantis and Toyota face higher variable expenses.
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