The Detroit Regional Chamber’s Data and Research team tracks key statistics highlighting the Detroit Region’s automotive economic growth and recovery.
U.S. Manufacturing PMI®
registered at 55.6% in July 2026, expanding for the seventh straight month.
Michigan Vehicle Production
increased 0.4% in June 2026.
Annual U.S. Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR)
increased 16.3 million units in July 2026, down 1.4% year over year.
- U.S. Manufacturing PMI®
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Economic Activity in the Manufacturing Sector Expands for the Seventh Straight Month
The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in July for the seventh straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 55.6%, a increase of 2.3 percentage point compared to June. Four of the six largest manufacturing industries expanded in July.
ISM® states a reading above 50% shows that the manufacturing economy is generally expanding; below 50% indicates that it is generally contracting. The index is based on a monthly survey of supply chain managers and measures general direction of economic trends in manufacturing and other sectors.
- Annual U.S. Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR)
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New Light-Vehicle SAAR Hits 16.3 Million Units in July 2026
New light-vehicle sales in July 2026 reached a SAAR of 16.3 million units, down 1.4% year over year. Sales for July were solid but finished slightly below expectations for a flat sales month year over year. The year-to-date SAAR through July 2026 totaled 16.0 million units, a decline of 2.2% compared to the same period last year.
- Monthly U.S. Light Vehicle Sales
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Vehicle Sales Declined in July 2026
Monthly vehicle sales totaled to 1.38 million units, representing a modest 1.4% decrease year-over-year. The seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) reached approximately 16.3 million units, as high borrowing costs and rising fuel prices slowed market momentum compared to earlier in the year.
- Michigan Vehicle Production
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Michigan Vehicle Production Increased in June 2026
Michigan motor vehicle production increased in June to 172,007 units, 0.4% higher than May’s production, and 0.3% above last year’s level. Nationally, motor vehicle production increased in June to 910,109 total units, 0.7% higher than the prior month, and 1.6% above its year ago level. From May to June, Michigan’s car production increased from 5,971 units to 8,331, while the State’s truck production decreased from 165,267 units to 163,676.
- Michigan Automotive Manufacturing Employment
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Michigan’s Automotive Employment Stabilizes but Remains Below Year-Ago Levels
After reaching a high of 160,500 jobs in early 2025, employment leveled off in the mid-150,000 range. The latest employment level of 155,100 jobs is slightly below the 2025 average of 156,600.
Updated August, 12 2026
To view additional economic indicators, visit the Chamber’s Regional Overview of Monthly Economic Indicators.
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