With automakers facing new tariffs, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, shrinking profits and a cloudy EV market, 2026 could see a significant shift in the automotive landscape for both OEMs and dealers.
Some OEMs invested billions in electrification over the past five years, but regulatory changes and waning EV sales have prompted automakers to revisit their mid- to long-term goals. With the easing of emission regulations and the rapidly shifting trade policies put in place by the Trump Administration, OEMs must now choose between complex regional compliance or the weight of new tariffs that could erase their profits.
On the retail side, dealers must also adapt to changing trends as more consumers expect an omnichannel buying experience, technology implementation increases and dealership consolidation continues in full force. Car shoppers are also expecting more from their vehicles, including infotainment, connectivity and software that can be regularly updated over the air — although building software-defined vehicles remains a challenge for OEMs.
To help our readers stay informed, WardsAuto put together a series of outlook pieces for 2026, each of which dives a little deeper into the top trends that are impacting the auto industry.
