Higher incentives and easing loan rates supported July sales, but affordability pressures and slowing EV demand weighed on the U.S. auto market. On the Dash:Hybrid demand continues to outpace the broader market, giving dealers additional opportunities to capitalize on growing consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicles. Affordability remains a challenge as average monthly payments reached a record $808 for July despite slightly lower financing rates and higher incentives. According to the latest NADA Market Beat report, U.S. light-vehicle sales reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.3 million units in July, down 1.4% from a year earlier. Financing offered only modest relief, as average new-vehicle financing rates eased slightly to 6.54%, down seven basis points from a year ago.