Wholesale Prices Down in May, Auction Volume Growing
Wholesale prices for used vehicles up to 8 years old fell 1.7% month-over-month in May, a level that’s typical for this time of year, according to J.D. Power’s June Used Car and Light Truck Guidelines. Auction volume up 12% month-over-month, 2.6% year-over-year.

Wholesale prices declined in May, while auction volume continues to grow.
Photo by Eric Gandarilla.
Wholesale prices for used vehicles up to 8 years old fell 1.7% month-over-month in May, a level that’s typical for this time of year, according to J.D. Power’s June Used Car and Light Truck Guidelines.
Unlike other months where luxury vehicle values depreciate at a considerably higher rate than their mainstream counterparts, losses for both mainstream and luxury vehicles were relatively consistent.
The heaviest depreciation on the mainstream side came from large utilities, which saw a 3% decline in wholesale price. Similarly — in the luxury segment — luxury large utility prices fell by 4.9%.
In terms of auction volume, volume increased 12% month-over-month and 2.6% year-over-year.
“Year-over-year volume continues to grow with each passing month, and as a result there should be a transition soon where there is a more overall auction volume compared to 2017,” the report noted.
The largest volume gains are coming from the SUV segments, the report stated. Compact premium SUV volume is up 74.8% and large SUV volume is up 35.8%. The gains from these segments have still not swayed the pendulum of overall market share in favor of trucks, however. As of last month, cars make up 51% of auction volume while trucks make up the remaining 49%.
Wholesale prices are expected to decline 0.2% in June, according to J.D. Power. Meanwhile, used vehicle prices are expected to increase by 0.8% by the end of the year. Factors that could negatively affect used vehicle prices will be incentives, an anticipated increase in used supply, worsening credit conditions, and rising gas prices.
Factors working in favor of higher used vehicle prices are favorable labor conditions and strengthening housing prices.
Related: Late-Model Auction Volume Slips 1.6% in April
Originally posted on Vehicle Remarketing
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 →