Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Wholesale Vehicle Prices Soften in November

Overall average wholesale prices softened in November from a year ago mostly due to 2017 prices that were elevated due to increased demand from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, even though values of former fleet vehicles increased, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.

Paul Clinton
Paul ClintonFormer Senior Web Editor
December 14, 2018
Wholesale Vehicle Prices Soften in November

While overall wholesale prices weakened in November, fleet vehicle values increase 4.6%.

Photo courtesy of ADESA.

1 min to read


Overall average wholesale prices softened in November from a year ago mostly due to 2017 prices that were elevated due to increased demand from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, even though values of former fleet vehicles increased, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.

Kontos explained the weaker values for used vehicles in his monthly Kontos Kommentary, where he mentioned values were even weaker that lower seasonal levels. Used vehicle prices typically dip toward the end of the year due to more inclement weather on the East Coast and other regions that can chill buying activity at physical auctions.

Ad Loading...

Overall values fell 4.2% from October and 1.8% from a year ago to an average of $10,599, Kontos said. While truck values showed relative strength to cars, "virtually all model classes" declined. In segments reflective of fleet remarketing efforts, midsize cars increased 6.1% to $11,309, while midsize SUVs increased 9.8% to $19,374.

Prices for fleet consignors fell 3.8% from October, but increased 4.6% from a year ago. Vehicles from manufacturers fell 3% from October and 2.8% from a year ago. Prices for dealer consignors fell 3.7% from October and 1.9% from a year ago.

More Remarketing

Blue bar graphs showing changes in wholesale used vehicle prices based on vehicle segments.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseJuly 9, 2026

Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June

The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs showing 2026 versus 2025 fleet sales.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJuly 8, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Contribute To June, YTD Gains

The fleet sector has boosted its vehicle purchases at a reliable pace in the first half of this year compared with 1H 2025.

Read More →
Series of colored line graphs showing the recent history of average used listing prices.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseJune 12, 2026

Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows

The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dark blue bar graphs showing percentage gains in average wholesale used vehicle prices
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseJune 5, 2026

Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices

Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.

Read More →
Green and black bar graphs show May 2025 v. 2026 fleet vehicle sales into commercial, rental, and government fleet sectors.
Vehicle Researchby Martin RomjueJune 3, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip

The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.

Read More →
Pickup trucks in a row with overlay "Hidden Vehicle Value"
Remarketingby Chris BrownMay 18, 2026

How Connected Vehicle Data Is Lifting Fleet Resale Values

A vehicle health score could improve the value of fleet vehicles at remarketing. The path to a universal standard is forming, and fleets that understand the process early will be better positioned when it arrives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Blue bar graphs showing wholesale used vehicle price shifts according to vehicle segment.
Remarketingby News/Media ReleaseMay 11, 2026

Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April

The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.

Read More →
James McKinley stands on the stage during the 2026 CAR Conference and speaks about his acceptance of the Value Champion of the Year Award.
Remarketingby Chris BrownMay 8, 2026

CAR2026: James McKinley Wins Value Champion of the Year

James McKinley of City Rent a Truck was named the inaugural Fleet Value Champion at the CAR Conference for his data-driven approach to fleet lifecycle management and vehicle remarketing.

Read More →
Eric Autenrieth accepts the Fleet Remarketer of the Year award on a stage at the CAR Conference in Cleveland, OH.
Remarketingby StaffMay 8, 2026

CAR2026: Eric Autenrieth Wins Remarketer of the Year

Eric Autenrieth was recognized at this year's CAR Conference as the Remarketer of the Year.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Lawrence Knapp stands on stage as he hives his acceptance speech for the cosigner of the year award.
Remarketingby StaffMay 7, 2026

CAR2026: Lawrence Knapp Wins Consignor of the Year

Lawrence Knapp won the Cosigner of the Year award at this year's CAR Conference.

Read More →