Wholesale Auction Business Grew 4.6% Last Year
Wholesale auctions sold 9.8 million vehicles worth $100 billion in 2016 with the majority coming from dealer consignment, according to the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA). The association has been surveying its members for 20 years.

File photo

File photo
Wholesale auctions sold 9.8 million vehicles worth $100 billion in 2016 with the majority coming from dealer consignment, according to the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA). The association has been surveying its members for 20 years.
The reported 9.8 million units sold represented a 4.6% growth over 2015. The number of vehicles entering their auctions was also up, growing 2.3% to 17.7 million, according to NAAA.
"The survey results show the strength and depth of a mature industry that has demonstrated its resiliency," said NAAA CEO Frank Hackett. "I'm confident we'll continue to be a vital and growing part of our nation’s economy as we look forward to celebrating the auto auction industry’s 80th anniversary in 2018."
Dealer consignment accounted for 52% of the units sold in 2016, according to the survey. Fleet, lease, and repo — the organization labels this as Finance & Fleet — followed closely, accounting for 40.3% of unit sales. Manufacturer vehicles accounted for 6.5% of unit sales, and the remaining 1.2% came from other sources.
The average NAAA member auction operates on 78 acres, the survey found. In addition, the average auction facility operates eight lanes and employs 137 people with a payroll of $4.2 million. Of NAAA’s 342 member auctions, 252 responded to this survey.
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 →