Spring Buying Arrives at Auto Auctions
Vehicle depreciation rates were at the lowest levels seen all year last week, as the effects of the spring market demand begin to kick in, according to Black Book’s Feb. 26 Market Insights report.

Courtesy of Black Book.

Courtesy of Black Book.
Vehicle depreciation rates were at the lowest levels seen all year last week, as the effects of the spring market demand begin to kick in, according to Black Book’s Feb. 26 Market Insights report.
Overall, average wholesale car segment values declined by 0.18% last week, compared to 0.23% the week before. Overall, truck segment values declined by 0.21%, nearly half of the 0.43% depreciation that the segment saw the week prior.
The car segment’s low depreciation last week was mainly driven by the performance of the subcompact, compact, and mid-size car segments, which saw values rise 0.31%, 0.02%, and 0.01% last week. The performance of these segments can in part be attributed to the low cost associated with them. The wholesale values of cars have sunken so low in recent years that they offer buyers with an attractive low-cost option that presents a lot of value, according to Anil Goyal, executive vice president, operations for Black Book.
The three luxury segments that Black Book tracks were the car segment’s weakest performers. This isn’t a new trend, luxury car values struggled throughout most of 2017. One factor impacting this trend is rise in features being offered in non-luxury vehicles. In years past, certain features were only found in luxury vehicles. More recently, many features found in luxury vehicles can also be found in higher trim levels of non-luxury vehicles, at a lower price, Goyal added.
Small and full-size pickups, along with compact and full-size vans saw the lowest depreciation within the truck segment last week, with values falling 0%, 0.03%, 0.06%, and 0.06%, respectively. Subcompact luxury crossovers/SUVs were on the other end, realizing the highest depreciation last week at 0.85%.
More Remarketing

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 →
2026 CAR Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence
CAR’s annual Fleet Remarketing Awards opened a reimagined 2026 conference designed to bridge the worlds of fleet management and automotive remarketing.
Read More →
Inside the CAR2026 Awards: Leaders, Legacy & What’s Next
Here's a look inside the awards ceremony at the CAR Conference, where industry leaders reflected on the growth, impact, and future of automotive remarketing.
Read More →