Business, Finance & Tech
2026 Car Models Arrive as Tariffs Shake Up Auto Industry
The 2026 car models are starting to arrive at dealerships across the country, but shoppers are facing a mix of good and bad news. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have rattled the auto industry, leaving both automakers and buyers adjusting to new realities.
Most imported cars are now subject to tariffs ranging from 15 to 25 percent. The administration says the added costs are meant to encourage automakers to build more plants in the United States and bring jobs back home.
Despite those added expenses, analysts say consumers haven’t seen drastic price hikes yet. Joseph Yoon, an industry expert with Edmunds, explains that many automakers have chosen to absorb the higher costs rather than pass them along. “As far as the consumers are concerned, not much,” Yoon said. “I think going into the next year we’re likely to see some pricing changes happen.”
Even so, car buyers are still feeling sticker shock as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic. Data from Kelley Blue Book shows the average transaction price for a new car last month was just over $49,000, roughly $10,500 higher than five years ago. Used car prices also remain elevated, keeping affordability a concern for many buyers.
Still, sales remain strong. For those looking to save, experts recommend waiting until the end of the year when dealerships slash prices to move older inventory. “The longer a car sits on the lot, the more negotiating power you have,” Yoon noted. “And the more inventory they have, the better deal you’ll get.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 23, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?
When we took a closer look at the Desert Recreation District, the numbers and details just didn’t line up. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your take in the comments👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #desertrecreationdistrict #nbcpalmsprings