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CloudTheory’s Cutting-Edge Technology for Automotive Marketing

Horizon by CloudTheory is a data-driven platform designed to transform automotive marketing. With real-time, AI-powered insights, Horizon enables manufacturers, agencies, and affiliates to make smarter, faster decisions.

Our Technology

Empowering OEMs, Agencies, Dealer Groups, and Finance

Cloud Theory supports key players in the automotive industry with tailored solutions. With our data and insights, OEMs inform business decisions, agencies inform their marketing strategies, dealer groups scale their marketing efforts, and financial institutions assess the automotive market.

View Use Cases →

Who We Serve

Tools, Guides, and Insights for Automotive Marketing

Access a wealth of resources designed to help you optimize your automotive marketing strategies. From in-depth guides and case studies to industry reports and best practices, our resources provide valuable insights to drive smarter decisions, improve performance, and stay ahead in a competitive market.

Resources

News and Press

Cloud Theory Press Mentions
Publisher:
Year:
Many new cars running cargo ship

Average car prices are flat since tariffs took effect. How'd that happen?

July 3, 2025

When President Donald Trump's 25% auto tariffs took effect in early April, industry watchers figured vehicle prices would steadily rise as carmakers peeled back discounts and increased MSRPs. Three months later, that hasn't quite turned out to be the case.

The Detroit News

2025
Cloud_Theory__Two_out_of_every_three_new_vehicle_models_rose_Infographic

Two of Every Three New Vehicle Models Rose in Price in the Past Two Weeks

June 26, 2025

As OEMs work to combat tariff-related price increases, they are shifting a portion of their inventory mix to lower-priced vehicles to help hold down overall average prices.

PR Newswire

2025
coin stacks in front of standard SUV car-1

Automakers blame price increases on anything but tariffs

June 6, 2025

As the reality of tariffs sets in, many manufacturers are framing price increases carefully to avoid backlash from President Donald Trump.

Automotive News

2025
Aerial view of car lot transitioning from crowded to sparse SUVs and trucks prominently featured with deep purple to light lavender color scheme suggesting market cooling after initial surge

Trump’s Tariffs Push Average Advertised Price Of New Cars Above $50K Again

April 21, 2025

Prices are expected to keep rising unless the US administration reverses course on import tariffs.

Carscoops

2025
BMWVehicle

Average advertised price of vehicles back above $50,000 as tariff reality sets in, discounts wane

April 14, 2025

On April 14, the average advertised price of a new vehicle in the U.S. was $50,025, according to data analytics firm Cloud Theory.

Automotive News

2025
Couple looking at cars in a dealership

Pre-tariff ‘pull-ahead demand’ adds extra 153,000 vehicle sales in March

April 10, 2025

With so many people pulling purchases forward, analysts warn the next few months could feel a lot slower.

Automotive News

2025
CloudTheory Press Mention Image Template

Tariffs to affect nearly half of U.S. vehicles: 'Today is the day to buy'

March 27, 2025

President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on vehicle imports could affect close to half of U.S. vehicle sales, resulting in higher prices, lower vehicle production and a reevaluation of manufacturing footprints.

The Detroit News

2025
Truck at border crossing

Auto tariffs unlikely on April 2; Cloud Theory’s Rick Wainschel

March 24, 2025

The Trump administration is reportedly unlikely to implement a tariff on automotive imports on April 2. Hyundai plans a $20 billion investment in the U.S. Plus, Rick Wainschel, vice president of data science and analytics at Cloud Theory, talks about how tariff concerns are leading to higher prices on dealership lots.

Automotive News

2025
Autoline After Hours

Diving Into U.S. Car Sales - AAH 735

March 24, 2025

What’s happening in the automotive market right now? Cloud Theory’s VP of Data Science & Analytics, Rick Wainschel dived into the details during his feature last week on Autoline After Hours. Rick discusses tariffs, their impact on sales, and EV demand.

Automotive News

2025
2024 Cloud Theory eBook

Cloud Theory "On the Horizon: 2024 Review + 2025 Outlook

December 13, 2024

New Car Pricing Remains High Throughout 2024 Despite a Significant Rise in Inventory

Automotive News

2024
Epoch Times

Americans Buying New Cars Again Despite Average Sticker Price of Nearly $50,000

December 5, 2024

Americans are on pace to buy 16 million cars this year.

The Detroit News

2025
Headlight News Trump's Second Term

Trump’s Second Term Presents Opportunities, Poses Risk to Auto Industry, Says Top Toyota Exec

November 7, 2024

President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to move quickly on a broad agenda when taking office next January. He has made it clear this will include a number of issues critical to the auto industry, including tariffs and EVs.

Automotive News

2024
FordBronco

Ford Bronco sales slide unconcerning to dealers after 2 years of markups

October 23, 2024

From its sales numbers, the Ford Bronco is having a tough 2024.

Automotive News

2024
Bloomberg EV Incentives

How $13,000 Worth of EV Incentives Convinced Me to Go Electric

September 12, 2024

Dealers are also starting to advertise price cuts more aggressively, according to Cloud Theory, which scans dealer websites and tracks prices being offered

Automotive News

2024
Motor.com

New Vehicle Inventory Growth Hits A Hiatus

August 7, 2024

This is the first pullback—other than seasonal drops from December to January—to have occurred in two years

Automotive News

2024
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eVTOLs & Why So Many Automakers Want In - AAH 702

July 19, 2024

eVTOLs & Why So Many Automakers Want In 

Automotive News

2024
Vehicle Movement July

Good News!  New Vehicle Inventory Approaching 3 Million Vehicles

July 9, 2024

New vehicle inventory continues to slowly increase, outpacing demand, according to Cloud Theory, a real-time automotive data insights provider

Automotive News

2024
Honda CR-V Hybrid among most popular HEVs.

BEV Aspirations Meet Reality: Hybrids Poised for Comeback

June 11, 2024

Hybrids have a long history in the marketplace and a comfort factor with consumers that BEVs do not currently enjoy.

Automotive News

2024
Headlight News automakers Moving New Vehicles

Automakers Moving New Vehicles, But Toyota's Actually Selling Them

June 7, 2024

Automakers continue growing a previously tight inventory of new vehicles. Having these vehicles on dealer lots gives consumers more choices — choices that turn into purchases eventually.

Automotive News

2024
Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition

Jeep Brand Of Stellantis Introduces Global Electric Vehicle Model

May 30, 2024

The Jeep brand of Stellantis NV said Thursday it’s bringing out a global electric vehicle model later this year.

Automotive News

2024
Ford Mustang Mach E

Ford slashes 2024 Mustang Mach-E price with new 0% APR offer

May 23, 2024

Just when you thought the EV deals couldn’t get better, Ford is cutting 2024 Mustang Mach-E prices with a new 0% APR offer. The deal comes after Ford slashed Mach-E prices by up to $8,100 earlier this year.

Automotive News

2024
Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium

People finally bought Ford's Mustang Mach-E after Ford lowered prices

May 7, 2024

The Ford Mustang Mach-E may have caused its fair share of controversy over the decision to call an electric crossover a Mustang, but as long as you can get past that, we found it to be a solid EV.

Automotive News

2024
Hybrids, such as this 2024 Toyota Prius Limited offer automakers an alternative to electric vehicles to meet reduced federal emissions standards a report from Cloud Theory asserts.

Study Reveals The Hybrid Lifeline For EV-Challenged Automakers

April 29, 2024

When the Biden administration lowered electric vehicle adoption targets from 67% to 35% by 2030 it did two things—throw a lifeline to automakers feeling the pressure to produce and sell EVs while tossing a big bucket of ice cold water on companies which sell only battery powered vehicles.

Automotive News

2024
Electric vehicles on average were discounted nearly $6,000 in the first quarter, according to Cox Automotive.

5-figure EV discounts emerge amid bloated inventories

April 18, 2024

Electric vehicles on average were discounted nearly $6,000 in the first quarter, according to Cox Automotive.

Automotive News

2024
is car

Chevy Blazer EV Rival Ford Mustang Mach-E Sees Sales Boost Following Price Cut

April 10, 2024

As the broader automotive industry bolsters the all-electric segments with new models, those already on the market must adapt to stay competitive. That includes the Ford Mustang Mach-E, which rivals the Chevy Blazer EV. As GM Authority covered previously, Ford slashed prices on the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E in February amid growing dealer inventory, a move that resulted in a boost to sales. Nevertheless, legacy automakers continue to struggle to make EVs profitable.

Automotive News

2024
ford

DAILY DRIVE PODCAST: April 9, 2024

April 9, 2024

Cloud Theory’s Rick Wainschel joins the show to talk about new data that suggests there is an untapped market for EVs. BMW gives dealers a look at new products and its retail strategy. Plus, Cruise is putting vehicles back on the road in Phoenix.

Automotive News

2024
fordmustang

People finally bought Ford's Mustang Mach-E after Ford lowered prices

April 4, 2024

The Ford Mustang Mach-E may have caused its fair share of controversy over the decision to call an electric crossover a Mustang, but as long as you can get past that, we found it to be a solid EV. Unfortunately for Ford, it ran into issues selling the Mach-E and ended up with a lot of extra inventory. Ford responded by cutting prices, and wouldn’t you know it, now that Ford has released its numbers for Q1, it looks like lowering the price on the Mach-E actually worked.

Automotive News

2024
ford electric explorer

Ford delays electric three-row SUV with new EV pickup arriving in 2026

April 4, 2024

A recent report from data analytics firm, Cloud Theory, said Mach-E movement was “dramatic and immediate.” Despite this, Ford is pulling back plans as it delays EV production at its Oakville plant, including its electric three-row SUV.

Automotive News

2024
CTAvgInvNewApr

Vehicle Movement Jumps to An Almost Three-Year High

April 3, 2024

Toyota Solidifies Its Inventory Efficiency Index Lead; Acura Enters the Top 10

Automotive News

2024
CTAvgInvNewApr

U.S. vehicle movement up 28% in March

April 3, 2024

New vehicle inventory in the United States was up in February, but according to Cloud Theory’s monthly report, the real headliner is the sharp 28% month-over-month increase in vehicle movement seen in March.

Automotive News

2024
mache

Ford Mustang Mach-E Sales ‘Catching Fire’ After Huge Price Drop

April 3, 2024

Ford slashed Mustang Mach-E prices after the electric crossover lost eligibility for the federal tax credit at the start of the year.

Automotive News

2024
mache2

Ford Mustang Mach-E Sales Soar After Discounts, Proving Cheap EVs Are the Way Forward

April 1, 2024

At the start of this year, the Ford Mustang Mach-E wasn't just one of the slowest-selling EVs in the U.S., it was one of the slowest-selling new cars period. Things got to the point where Ford resorted to extreme discounts to sell them, and their effects reaffirmed something that's becoming increasingly obvious: EV demand is held up by poor affordability.

Automotive News

2024
Mustang Mach-E sales have jumped since Ford announced price cuts to outgoing 2023 models, easing an inventory glut.

Mustang Mach-E sales underscore pricing issue

March 31, 2024

Since Ford cut prices by up to $8,100 in February, a data analytics firm says movement of Mach-E has nearly tripled, while inventory has declined 9 percent.

Automotive News

2024
FordAuthorityPicMarch24

FORD MUSTANG MACH-E DEMAND JUMPED AFTER PRICE CUTS: REPORT

March 19, 2024

3 Aside from launching a new EV referral program in select markets recently, The Blue Oval also slashed Ford Mustang Mach-E prices dramatically back in February as inventory piled up.

Automotive News

2024
AutobodyNewNewVehicleRising

New Vehicle Inventory Rising Again

March 6, 2024

While inventory and movement are on the rise, vehicle pricing is experiencing a downward trajectory.

Automotive News

2024
ANSeasonJanInv2024

January U.S. auto inventory slips amid seasonal fluctuations, report says

February 7, 2024

 Inventory fell from 2.64 million in December to 2.53 million in January, interrupting an 11-month period of sustained growth, the data analytics company said.

Automotive News

2024
CloudTheoryAutoblog2024Trends

Cloud Theory Releases Special Report: "2023 Review of Automotive Industry Trends and 2024 Outlook"

January 18, 2024

Cloud Theory uses its unique perspective on comprehensive supply and demand to review the 2023 automotive industry and predict five major issues that will dominate in 2024.

Automotive News

2024
CTReleasesIndustrytrendsPressCoverasge

Cloud Theory Releases Special Report: "2023 Review of Automotive Industry Trends and 2024 Outlook"

January 18, 2024

Cloud Theory uses its unique perspective on comprehensive supply and demand to review the 2023 automotive industry and predict five major issues that will dominate in 2024.

Automotive News

2024
Autonewsinventoryriseprediction

U.S. new-vehicle inventory expected to rise again in 2024, forecast says

January 17, 2024

New-vehicle inventory is expected to reach a 4-year high in 2024 but still fall short of pre-pandemic levels, according to a Cloud Theory forecast.

Automotive News

2024
NewVehPricesHeadlightNewsDec23

New Vehicle Prices Dropped in November Compared to Year Ago

December 13, 2023

Consumers actually paid more for a new vehicle in November than October but compared to last November prices fell 1.5%. It was the third straight month prices dropped when compared to year-ago numbers.

Automotive News

2023
WNNewsIEINov

Toyota Retakes the Top Spot on Cloud Theory's Nationwide Inventory Efficiency Index; General Motors Has Three Brands in the Top 10

November 6, 2023

Cloud Theory, the real-time automotive data insights provider, has announced that according to October results from its proprietary Inventory Efficiency Index, Toyota has again taken the top spot nationwide, beating out months-long leader Honda.

Automotive News

2023
ItNewsOnlineNovIEI

Toyota Retakes the Top Spot on Cloud Theory's Nationwide Inventory Efficiency Index; General Motors Has Three Brands in the Top 10

November 6, 2023

Cloud Theory, the real-time automotive data insights provider, has announced that according to October results from its proprietary Inventory Efficiency Index, Toyota has again taken the top spot nationwide, beating out months-long leader Honda.

Automotive News

2023
NovIEIYahooFinance

Toyota Retakes the Top Spot on Cloud Theory's Nationwide Inventory Efficiency Index; General Motors Has Three Brands in the Top 10

November 6, 2023

Cloud Theory, the real-time automotive data insights provider, has announced that according to October results from its proprietary Inventory Efficiency Index, Toyota has again taken the top spot nationwide, beating out months-long leader Honda.

Automotive News

2023
EVSalesGrowthLagsAMNPress

Study: EV Sales Growth Lags Behind Available Inventory

October 22, 2023

A Cloud Theory study dives into EV market trends, Tesla's dominance and the challenges facing automakers.

Automotive News

2023
ANMercedesEVRumorePressMention

Despite Mercedes' zeal for EVs, models are slow to sell

October 20, 2023

Mercedes-Benz's aspirations to become a global electric vehicle brand show early signs of stalling in the automaker's largest EV market as retailers struggle to dent their swelling inventories.  The brand reported its U.S. EV sales surged more than fourfold in the first nine months of the year, largely because of the higher-volume EQE crossover and sedan.

Automotive News

2023
TeslaCompArticleBusinessInsider

It could take a decade for other automakers to catch Tesla — and none are 'leading contenders' just yet, experts say

October 19, 2023

It's hard to gauge which automaker will be the runner up to Tesla in the coming years — and there might not be one at all.

Automotive News

2023
Stock Photo Trucks Dealership

Automakers are facing an uphill battle as inventory piles up and workers threaten to go on strike

August 17, 2023

The peace that Detroit automakers have had over the past several months is getting interrupted — and car buyers and investors should brace themselves.

Automotive News

2023
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Honda Tops Inventory Efficiency Index

August 9, 2023

Cloud Theory, the real-time automotive data insights provider, announced that according to its proprietary Inventory Efficiency Index, Honda is now No. 1 nationwide, separating itself from last month’s co-leaders Toyota and Kia.

Automotive News

2023
Cloud_Theory_Logo

2023 Mid-Year Review: How OEMs Are Stacking up According to Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index

July 13, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has released its June findings of Inventory Efficiency Index (IEI) ratings, and a retrospective 6-month review as we hit the halfway mark in 2023.

Automotive News

2023
Insider

Ford's electric Mustang Mach-E is piling up on dealer lots as the automaker confronts an EV-inventory problem

July 12, 2023

In a sign that Ford's EV ambitions are still outpacing demand, the company's sales numbers, amount of EV supply, and dealer sentiment all indicate that the Blue Oval is sitting on more Mustang Mach-Es and F-150 Lightning pickup trucks than it can sell.

Automotive News

2023
TOYOTALOGO

Toyota, Kia lead in first-half inventory efficiency

July 11, 2023

An inventory efficiency index developed by Cloud Theory ranked Toyota the most efficient mover of vehicle inventory in the U.S.  The index's June results show Toyota reclaiming the top spot over Kia. The two automakers have traded the top spot on the index since it launched this year.

Automotive News

2023
ANMercedesEVRumorePressMention

Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index Shows Kia Leading, But Three Other Brands Are Fighting for the National Leadership Spot

June 7, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has announced its May findings of national and regional Inventory Efficiency Index rankings in the automotive industry.

Automotive News

2023
Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 5 (2)

Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index Shows Kia Leading, But Three Other Brands Are Fighting for the National Leadership Spot

June 7, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has announced its May findings of national and regional Inventory Efficiency Index rankings in the automotive industry.

Automotive News

2023
TOYOTALOGO

Kia reclaims top spot in ranking of U.S. inventory efficiency

June 5, 2023

An inventory efficiency index developed by Cloud Theory ranked Kia the most efficient mover of vehicle inventory in the U.S.  The index's May results show Kia reclaiming the top spot over Toyota. Before Toyota's triumph in April, Kia had been the consistent industry leader in inventory efficiency for more than a year, according to Rick Wainschel, Cloud Theory vice president for data science and analytics.

Automotive News

2023
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These are the hardest and easiest EVs to find at dealerships right now

June 1, 2023

Some electric cars are flying off dealer lots, while others have been harder to sell.  That's according to data from Cloud Theory, a data analytics firm that tracks dealership inventory across the US.  As automakers ramp up production of electric vehicles, some are having a harder time getting them off dealership lots than they did a year ago, Cloud Theory found. 

Automotive News

2023
Screenshot 2024-08-09 at 4

These are the hardest and easiest EVs to find at dealerships right now

June 1, 2023

Some electric cars are flying off dealer lots, while others have been harder to sell.  That's according to data from Cloud Theory, a data analytics firm that tracks dealership inventory across the US.  As automakers ramp up production of electric vehicles, some are having a harder time getting them off dealership lots than they did a year ago, Cloud Theory found. 

Automotive News

2023
SALES-MAIN_i_4_0

Pre-COVID inventory levels may not return

June 1, 2023

New vehicle inventory might never return to pre-COVID levels, according to Cloud Theory.  Both inventory and sales initially plummeted when the pandemic began in March 2020, but while sales recovered rapidly and even surpassed pre-pandemic levels in the ensuing months, inventory continued to drop, falling below 1 million by fall 2021.

Automotive News

2023
Cloud Theory About - feature image

Cloud Theory Announces Release of Report Entitled "Over the Horizon: Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 on the Auto Industry"

May 31, 2023

The days of automakers stocking dealer lots with 3.5 million units of inventory are gone, a long-term result of the industry's lessons learned during COVID-19. As a result, manufacturers will need to learn to balance just-in-time delivery with 'just-in-case' parts supply. The findings were part of 'Over the Horizon: Evaluating the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Automotive Industry,' a report released today by Cloud Theory, the automotive industry leader for real-time inventory and vehicle movement insights. This report looks at the effects COVID-19 had on supply, demand, and pricing for the industry as a whole and for all OEMs from 2020-2023. 

Automotive News

2023
Cloud Theory About - feature image

Cloud Theory Announces Release of Report Entitled "Over the Horizon: Evaluating the Impact of COVID-19 on the Auto Industry"

May 31, 2023

The days of automakers stocking dealer lots with 3.5 million units of inventory are gone, a long-term result of the industry's lessons learned during COVID-19. As a result, manufacturers will need to learn to balance just-in-time delivery with 'just-in-case' parts supply. The findings were part of 'Over the Horizon: Evaluating the Impacts of COVID-19 on the Automotive Industry,' a report released today by Cloud Theory, the automotive industry leader for real-time inventory and vehicle movement insights. This report looks at the effects COVID-19 had on supply, demand, and pricing for the industry as a whole and for all OEMs from 2020-2023. 

Automotive News

2023
Cloud Theory About - feature image

Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index Shows Toyota Now Ranked #1 Nationally

May 10, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has announced its April findings of national and regional Inventory Efficiency Index rankings in the automotive industry.

Automotive News

2023
Cloud Theory About - feature image

Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index Shows Toyota Now Ranked #1 Nationally

May 10, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has announced its April findings of national and regional Inventory Efficiency Index rankings in the automotive industry. Backed by Cloud Theory's real-time inventory and vehicle movement insights, these rankings reflect which OEMs are getting more than their fair share of sales compared to their relative supply in the marketplace.

Automotive News

2023
Cloud Theory About - feature image

Cloud Theory's Inventory Efficiency Index Shows Toyota Now Ranked #1 Nationally

May 10, 2023

Cloud Theory, the innovative automotive data insights provider, has announced its April findings of national and regional Inventory Efficiency Index rankings in the automotive industry. Backed by Cloud Theory's real-time inventory and vehicle movement insights, these rankings reflect which OEMs are getting more than their fair share of sales compared to their relative supply in the marketplace.

Automotive News

2023
TOYOTALOGO

Toyota overtakes Kia in latest ranking of U.S. inventory efficiency

May 9, 2023

An inventory efficiency index developed by Cloud Theory ranked the Toyota brand as the most efficient mover of vehicle inventory in the U.S.  The index's April results show Toyota overtaking Kia to claim the top spot.

Automotive News

2023
UsedCarNews_3

Full Size Pickups Score Lowest on Inventory Efficiency Index

March 23, 2023

Full-size pickup trucks have long been a mainstay in automotive inventories and sales. 

Automotive News

2023
Wilde Lexus Sarasota-MAIN_i

New tool shows Kia, Lexus moving the most inventory this year

March 3, 2023

An 'inventory efficiency index' created by software company Cloud Theory allows automakers to view supply and demand across all makes and models in real time, including those of their competitors.

Automotive News

2023
ReadMag_3

Kia, Lexus Lead the Industry in Moving Inventory

March 3, 2023

As new vehicle inventory levels continue to recover from supply-chain driven lows in 2021/2022, it is crucial that OEMs and their agency partners understand if vehicles are selling efficiently or if they need a boost. Cloud Theory’s new automotive “Inventory Efficiency Index” reveals that automakers Kia and Lexus have gotten off to the strongest starts in the first two months of 2023.

Automotive News

2023

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