Retail Inventories: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers
This dataset tracks retail inventories: motor vehicle and parts dealers over time.
Latest Value
254198.00
Year-over-Year Change
0.02%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 5/1/2025
Summary
The 'Retail Inventories: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers' metric tracks the value of retail inventories held by motor vehicle and parts dealers in the United States. This provides key insights into supply chain dynamics and consumer demand in the automotive industry.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic indicator measures the dollar value of finished goods inventories held by motor vehicle and parts retailers, including car dealerships, auto parts stores, and other related businesses. It offers valuable data on inventory levels, which can signal production and sales trends within the auto industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Historical Context
Retail inventory metrics are closely watched by policymakers, industry analysts, and investors to assess the health of the automotive market and broader consumer economy.
Key Facts
- Motor vehicle and parts dealers account for over 20% of total U.S. retail inventories.
- Retail inventories can signal production cuts or surpluses in the auto industry.
- Inventory levels impact pricing power, discounts, and sales performance for dealers.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The 'Retail Inventories: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers' metric tracks the value of finished goods inventories held by retailers in the automotive industry, including car dealerships and auto parts stores.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: Retail inventory data provides insights into supply chain dynamics, consumer demand, and production trends in the auto industry, which are crucial for policymakers, industry analysts, and investors.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of retail establishments by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Retail inventory metrics are closely watched by policymakers to assess the health of the automotive market and broader consumer economy, which can inform decisions on monetary and fiscal policy.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is released on a monthly basis, with a typical 4-6 week delay from the end of the reference month.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Retail Inventories: Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers (MRTSIM441USS), retrieved from FRED.