2025 Auto Sales Outlook: What Financial Marketers Need to Know

For credit unions and financial marketers, keeping an eye on emerging trends is essential for staying competitive. Looking ahead, the auto sales landscape in 2025 promises both challenges and opportunities. With shifting consumer behaviors, advancements in technology, and economic uncertainty on the horizon, preparing your credit union marketing strategies now can help you stay ahead of the curve.

This post dives into the 2025 Auto Sales Forecast, explores marketing trends impacting financial services, and highlights how credit union marketers can adapt to support auto sales growth effectively. Click here for the past 5 years of auto sales data from the St. Louis Fed.

The 2025 Auto Sales Forecast

Industry analysts predict that U.S. auto sales will remain steady in 2025, with global factors such as supply chain recovery and the ongoing EV transition shaping demand. According to LMC Automotive, annual auto sales in 2025 are expected to stabilize at approximately 15-16 million units, returning to pre-pandemic averages.

Key Insights Driving 2025 Auto Sales:

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Expansion: EV sales are forecasted to account for nearly 20% of total new car sales by 2025. Automakers will continue introducing more budget-friendly EV options, appealing to a wider demographic.
• Used Vehicle Market Resilience: With affordability concerns persisting, credit unions should note that used vehicles will remain a popular choice for buyers, ensuring loan demand grows in this segment.
• Economic Influencers: Rising interest rates and inflation may impact consumer spending power, requiring financial institutions to develop adaptable loan terms and incentives to keep auto financing accessible.
• Digital Buying Trends: Online car shopping will further accelerate, with nearly 40% of purchases expected to be completed digitally.

2025 Marketing Trends for Financial Services and Auto Sales

To capture the attention of auto buyers in this evolving landscape, marketing professionals in financial services need to stay ahead of the latest trends in customer engagement and technology. Here are the top marketing trends to watch in 2025:

1. Personalization is Non-Negotiable

Your members expect tailored solutions. Utilize data-driven marketing to offer hyper-personalized auto loan recommendations based on buying history, credit behavior, and digital activity.

2. An Omnichannel Approach is Essential

With auto purchases increasingly occurring online, an integrated omnichannel strategy ensures a seamless user experience from application to final approval. Leverage email, social media, and mobile banking platforms cohesively to guide members through the financing process.

3. EV-Focused Marketing Campaigns

Educate your members about financing options for EVs. Consider offering incentives like lower interest rates or rebates tied to green energy loans. Position your credit union as a trusted partner in the transition to sustainable transportation.

4. Content Marketing that Adds Value

Engage your audience with informative content, such as blogs, webinars, or social media posts that explain how to choose the best financing options for autos. Topics like “EV Loans 101” or “How to Save on Interest for Your First Car” can build trust while driving auto loan leads.

5. Technology-Led Member Engagement

Utilize AI and machine learning to optimize ad targeting and loan approvals. Chatbots and automated messaging can improve loan inquiry efficiency while enhancing the member experience. Highlight these tech-driven capabilities in your marketing to demonstrate your institution’s innovative edge.

How Credit Unions Can Drive Auto Loan Growth in 2025

Are you ready to position your credit union as the go-to lender for auto loans in 2025? Here are actionable strategies to help your marketing team thrive in the coming year:

• Leverage Local Connections: Credit unions excel at building local relationships. Use community-focused campaigns—like auto loan promotions for local businesses or first-time car buyers—to differentiate your offerings from larger financial institutions.
• Offer Flexible Loan Options: With economic uncertainties affecting consumer confidence, flexible loan terms, deferred payment programs, and incentives like cashback rewards will appeal to price-sensitive buyers.
• Train Your Team: Equip your marketing and sales teams to handle auto loan inquiries confidently, especially regarding newer challenges like financing EVs and meeting the evolving digital expectations of members.
• Measure & Adapt: Track your marketing campaigns closely using analytics tools, and adjust to what resonates best with your audience. A member-centric approach will ensure your long-term strategies align with buyer needs.

Stay Ahead of 2025

The 2025 auto sales outlook presents an exciting opportunity for credit unions and financial marketers to connect with members in meaningful ways. By staying proactive about marketing trends, aligning with changing consumer behaviors, and delivering value-added auto loan experiences, you can ensure your institution’s offerings meet members’ expectations while helping them thrive financially.

Curious how your bank or credit union can refine its marketing strategy for 2025? Contact us to start a conversation about acquiring more auto loans.