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 52.7% in April 2026, expanding for the fourth straight month.
Michigan Vehicle Production
increased 5.4% in March 2026
Annual U.S. Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR)
reached 16.3 million units in March 2026
- U.S. Manufacturing PMI®
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Economic Activity in the Manufacturing Sector Expands for the Fourth Straight Month
The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in April for the fourth straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 52.7 percent, the same reading as March. Responded noted that geopolitical uncertainty and rising oil prices continue to weigh on demand.
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-Vehicle Sales Pace (SAAR) Up in March 2026
New light-vehicle sales reached a SAAR of 16.3 million units in March 2026, down 8.7% year over year. March 2025 saw significant pull-ahead sales volume following the announcement of tariffs on imported autos and auto parts as consumers flocked to dealer lots to buy vehicles before the tariffs went into effect.
- Monthly U.S. Light Vehicle Sales
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Vehicle Sales Are Down Compared to the Previous Year
Sales volume in March 2026 reached 1,434,372, representing a 12% decline compared with March of the previous year.
- Michigan Vehicle Production
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Michigan Vehicle Production Increased in March 2026
Michigan motor vehicle production increased in March to 166,384 units, 5.4 percent higher than February’s production, and 5.7 percent above last year’s level. Nationally, motor vehicle production increased in March to 911,169 total units, or 7.7 percent higher than the prior month, and 2.6 percent below its year ago level. From February to March, Michigan’s car production increased from 6,958 units to 8,869, while the State’s truck production increased from 150,857 units to 157,515.
- Michigan Automotive Manufacturing Employment
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Vehicle Manufacturing Employment Down in March 2026 Compared to the Previous Year
Michigan’s automotive manufacturing employment totaled 155,300 in March 2026, down 3% year over year but up 0.3% from the previous month. In 2025, annual automotive manufacturing employment in Michigan declined by nearly 4%, a loss of approximately 6,500 jobs compared to 2024.
Updated May, 8 2026
To view additional economic indicators, visit the Chamber’s Regional Overview of Monthly Economic Indicators.
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