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 54% in May 2026, expanding for the fifth straight month.
Michigan Vehicle Production
decreased 6.8% in April 2026.
Annual U.S. Light Vehicle Sales (SAAR)
increased 3.1% to 16.1 million units in May 2026
- U.S. Manufacturing PMI®
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Economic Activity in the Manufacturing Sector Expands for the Fifth Straight Month
The U.S. manufacturing sector expanded in May for the fifth straight month following a 10-month period of contraction, registering 54%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points as compared to April. This is the highest PMI® reading since it registered 55.9% in May 2022.
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)
-
New-Vehicle Sales Pace (SAAR) Up in May 2026
New light-vehicle sales in May reached a SAAR of 16.1 million units, an increase of 3.1% compared to May 2025. There were five weekends this May, including the Memorial Day weekend — typically a strong time for new-vehicle sales. Through May, the year-to-date SAAR is 15.7 million units, down 4.5% year over year. As in March and April, year-over-year sales comparisons in May are distorted by the significant pull-ahead volume last year as consumers moved up purchases to secure a vehicle before auto tariffs took effect.
- Monthly U.S. Light Vehicle Sales
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Vehicle Sales Are Up Compared to the Previous Month
Monthly vehicle sales volume in May totaled 1.49 million units, an increase of 7.0% compared to April.
- Michigan Vehicle Production
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Michigan Vehicle Production Decreased in April 2026
Michigan motor vehicle production decreased in April to 155,099 units, 6.8% lower than March’s production, and 4.1% above last year’s level. Nationally, motor vehicle production decreased in April to 884,680 total units, or 2.9%Z lower than the prior month, and 2.9% above its year ago level. From March to April, Michigan’s car production decreased from 8,869 units to 6,462, while the State’s truck production decreased from 157,515 units to 148,637.
- Michigan Automotive Manufacturing Employment
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Vehicle Manufacturing Employment Down in April 2026 Compared to the Previous Year
Michigan’s automotive manufacturing employment totaled 154,600 in April 2026, down 3% year over year. In 2025, annual automotive manufacturing employment in Michigan declined by nearly 4%, a loss of approximately 6,500 jobs compared to 2024.
Updated June, 9 2026
To view additional economic indicators, visit the Chamber’s Regional Overview of Monthly Economic Indicators.
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