Wholesale Price Decline Continues in March

Wholesale used vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) declined in March for the third consecutive month. That brought the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to a reading of 122.5 for March, a decline of 1.6% from a year ago.

Although wholesale prices have fallen every month in 2016, this should not be looked at with alarm. After all, it has long been anticipated that pricing would ease this year, according to Manheim. Additionally, evolving industry patterns and practices may be muting what used to be a strong spring bounce in pricing.

Nevertheless, fundamentals do suggest that the current trend will prove longer lasting than the several short cycles that we have already experienced since the May 2011 peak in the Manheim Index.

As expected, auction sales of rental risk units rose in March as higher new unit sales into rental (and a low conversion rate on February auction sales) forced the situation, according to Manheim. The average auction price (adjusted for broad shifts in mix and mileage) rose 1% from February, but it was down 7.3% from a year ago. Average mileage was the lowest since September 2014.

Wholesale prices for compact cars just can’t seem to find a bottom, despite the multiyear adjustment. Blame competitive pricing on the new vehicle side and the consumer preference shift to small crossovers, which are now more available in the wholesale marketplace, according to Manheim. Wholesale pricing for luxury cars was also weak in March, after stabilizing at year-end.

Vehicles in the $7,000 to $10,000 price range continued to face the greatest competitive pricing pressure in the first quarter, says Manheim. Vehicles valued above $15,000 did noticeably better. The percentage growth in auction volume was slanted toward units above $25,000.