On the Dash: Hybrid demand continues to outpace the broader market, giving dealers additional opportunities to capitalize on growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles. Affordability remains a challenge as average monthly payments reached a record $808 for July despite slightly lower financing rates and higher incentives. Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated through the remainder of 2026, limiting meaningful relief for vehicle financing. According to the latest NADA Market Beat report, U.S. light-vehicle sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.3 million units in July, down 1.4% from a year earlier. Year-to-date SAAR through July stands at 16.0 million units, a 2.2% decline compared…
