Prices and volume are not expected to plummet in 2019, but industry experts seem to feel that the best-case scenario will be a plateau, and more realistically, will fall slightly.
The passenger car segment was a main contributor to the the rise in used-vehicle prices in 2018.
Sales of vehicles to commercial fleets from eight manufactures increased 8.8% to 743,210 in 2018, even with a weaker December, on the strength of sales of trucks, SUVs, and vans that accounted for nearly nine units out of every 10 sold.
The average 12-month depreciation through the end of November for all vehicles was 12.5%.
In November, sales of vehicles to commercial fleets increased 18.2% to 60,967, while sales into daily rental increased 6.4% to 122,433. Sales to government agencies increased 4.6% to 20,386.
The average price for used fleet vehicles fell 2% at auction in October, but remained 6.1% higher than a year ago amid a strong month for wholesale prices, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
A significant part of the automotive value chain, Enterprise’s operations result in over 1 million used vehicles that become available for sale every year.
Vehicles from fleet consignors followed the broader used-vehicle market downward in September, as wholesale prices struggled to keep up with last year's hurricane-driven demand and a now robust upstream market, said Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
While luxury vehicles continue to struggle, overall vehicle values held steady last week, according to Black Book’s Oct. 8 Market Insights report.
Edmunds is forecasting 1,392,434 new vehicles sales through September, representing a 5.4% decline from March and an 8.3% decline from the same time last year.
Used-vehicle auctions have started resuming regular business hours following the effects of Hurricane Florence, which had less of an impact on the U.S vehicle market than Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017.
The average value of used fleet vehicles increased 1.5% in August from the prior month and are now up 8.5% from a year ago, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
Several North Carolina used vehicle auctions closed as a result of Hurricane Florence sweeping into the state, while others shifted to online sales or delayed on-site sales.
More SUVs, the retention of higher mileage vehicles, and new methods of remarketing are some trends fleets are observing in the wholesale market.
Used-vehicle values have held strong this year. A strong economy and more efficient remarketing strategies are helping make 2018 a banner year for used-vehicle values.
The 2016 Conference of Automotive Remarketing (CAR) took place March 16-17 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. Now in its 21st year, CAR delivered high-quality discussions and information on subjects ranging from automating the if-bid system to how to maximize auction earnings to a look forward to residual values for 2016-2017. In addition, attendees had plenty of opportunities to network and build their personal and professional connections. Photos by Chris Wolski and Steve Reed.
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