1041 ET - AutoNation says affordability concerns are worsening due to the war in Iran. The car retailer was expecting affordability issues to weigh on consumers somewhat this year, which management was estimating would have a 5% impact on the new vehicle sales across the industry, CEO Mike Manley says. Fuel price inflation from the Middle East conflict is compounding those issues, he says, and is likely to continue to do so. Manley says he now expects the impact from affordability issues will now be greater than 5% forecast until there are improvements in the war, gas prices, interest rates or other macroeconomic factors. (katherine.hamilton@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 01, 2026 10:41 ET (14:41 GMT)

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