Operative Auto Ad Spend Report 2025
By The Operative Team
Tariffs, Tech & Targeting: The Auto Industry’s Advertising Reboot

In 2025, the auto industry is navigating major disruption. New tariffs, rising vehicle prices, and uncertain consumer demand are forcing auto companies to rethink their advertising strategies.
This report examines how these pressures are reshaping budgets, with many brands pulling back in the first half of the year and shifting spend across programmatic channels. From GM capitalizing on its domestic footprint to Nissan aligning messaging with “Made in the USA” sentiment, the data highlights how advertisers are adapting to a fast-changing market.
Inside you’ll learn:
- How tariffs and global market dynamics are shaping spend decisions
- Which auto brands increased or decreased their digital investment in H1
- What shifts are happening across Private Auction, Open Auction, and Programmatic Guaranteed
Fill out the form to download your copy and understand how the auto industry’s shifting gears on ad strategy.
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