Black Book's Used Vehicle Valuation Index Falls in May
“It is expected that we will see more declines in the Index in the months ahead as we move deeper into the year, particularly driven by softness among car segments,” said Anil Goyal, senior vice president of Automotive Valuation and Analytics for Black Book.

Black Books' Used Vehicle Retention Index declined 0.7 percent from April to May. Anil Goyal, senior vice president of Automotive Valuation and Analytics for Black Book, predicts further declines in the coming months. Photo courtesy of Merit Mile.

Black Books' Used Vehicle Retention Index declined 0.7 percent from April to May. Anil Goyal, senior vice president of Automotive Valuation and Analytics for Black Book, predicts further declines in the coming months. Photo courtesy of Merit Mile.
Black Book revealed that its Used Vehicle Retention Index for May fell 0.7 percent from April.
Currently, the retention index is at 112.3, down from 113.1 in April. In a 12-month analysis, the index has dropped 5.6 percent from May 2016.
The index declined as cars and trucks saw increased depreciation in May following a strong spring season during April. The index increased slightly from 113.0 in March to 113.1 in April. It was the first time the Index saw an increase dating back to Jan. 2015.
From April to May, sub-compact cars fell 1.6 percent, full-size cars dropped 0.7 percent, mid-size cars fell 0.6 percent, and sporty cars fell 1.0 percent. Premium sporty cars, on the other hand, saw a 0.4 percent increase.
In the trucks market, small pickups increased 0.5 percent from April, while full-size luxury utilities increased 0.1 percent, and full-size pickups held steady.
“There is not a lot of surprise in the May numbers, particularly after seeing arguably the strongest spring-season lift on record over the last three years in April,” said Anil Goyal, senior vice president of Automotive Valuation and Analytics for Black Book. “It is expected that we will see more declines in the Index in the months ahead as we move deeper into the year, particularly driven by softness among car segments.”
More Remarketing

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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →