Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: New Vehicles in U.S. City Average

CWSR0000SETA01 • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

177.64

Year-over-Year Change

0.48%

Date Range

1/1/1953 - 7/1/2025

Summary

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: New Vehicles in U.S. City Average measures changes in the retail prices of new vehicles purchased by urban consumers. This metric is a key indicator of consumer demand and inflationary pressures in the automotive market.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

This series tracks the price changes of new passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light trucks, as part of the broader CPI basket. It is used by economists and policymakers to assess consumer spending, automotive industry trends, and the overall rate of inflation.

Methodology

The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and calculated based on a representative sample of new vehicle purchases.

Historical Context

Trends in new vehicle prices are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to inform monetary policy decisions.

Key Facts

  • New vehicle prices account for about 4% of the overall CPI basket.
  • Prices have risen by over 25% in the past decade.
  • Supply chain disruptions have significantly impacted new vehicle affordability.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: This series tracks changes in the retail prices of new passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light trucks, as part of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: New vehicle prices are a key indicator of consumer demand and inflationary pressures in the automotive market, providing insights for economists, policymakers, and industry analysts.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected through surveys of retail establishments and calculated based on a representative sample of new vehicle purchases.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Trends in new vehicle prices are closely monitored by the Federal Reserve and other institutions to inform monetary policy decisions and assess the overall rate of inflation.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The data is released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a typical lag of around two weeks.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: New Vehicles in U.S. City Average (CWSR0000SETA01), retrieved from FRED.