OPENLANE: Most Segments Show Price Growth in May

June 10, 2009

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MENLO PARK, Calif. — Auction prices increased year-over-year in all vehicle segments during May, except for cars, according to the latest OPENLANE Price Index.

Showing the most improvement from May 2008 were minivans, which were up 21 percent.

Meanwhile, SUV pricing continued on the monthly climb that began in December, as it jumped 3 percent from April and was up more than 7 points from May 2008.

And though trucks were off slightly from April (the only segment to show a monthly decline), their prices were 16 percent ahead of the year-ago period.

Auction prices for cars, however, leveled off from April and were down 2 percent from a year ago.

As far as dealer interest, the car segment was up 5 percent from April, but was down 6 points compared to May 2008.

"Recall that interest in the car segment back in May 2008 was driven largely due to high oil prices," officials pointed out.

Interest in minivans jumped 5 points from April and climbed 16 percent from a year ago.

In the SUV segment, dealer interest fell 3 percent from April, but was ahead 9 points from May 2008.

Finally, interest in trucks decreased 13 points on a monthly basis and 5 points year-over-year.

For more information, visit www.openlane.com.

Auction/Wholesale