McLEAN, Va. -

April has arrived with high prices in the lanes, but the increases may be slowing down. 

NADA Used Car Guide expects that wholesale prices peaked in March, and moving forward through April, there is likely to be a slight decline in the industry average.

As for this week, NADA UCG analysts expect wholesale prices to remain relatively stable, but noted there may be some growth in the large SUV segment. They predict this segment to increase by 0.4 percent, or $125.

As warmer weather arrives, the compact car segment is “still showing strength”, NADA UCG noted, with prices expected to grow by 0.2 percent, or $25.

On the other hand, the biggest declines should be seen in the midsize van segment, which is expected to decline by 0.9 percent or $150, followed by the midsize car segment at 0.6 percent, or $75.

“As a collective the compact utility, large pickup and luxury utility segments are all expected to see declines under 0.5 percent,” officials added.

Four- and two-week AuctionNet wholesale average prices are created by collecting all AuctionNet records for vehicles  up to five years of age for a specified period of time.  Prices are then adjusted for changes in mileage and mix.

Current week prices are based on NADA's proprietary used-vehicle value model which includes assumptions for new vehicle prices, used-vehicle supply, gasoline prices, and other economic factors.

And with the arrival of April and the warmer weather that comes with it, it is time to take a look back at the first quarter of 2013.

The beginning of the new year brought some new developments within the auction lanes.

Black Book’s Ricky Beggs offered up some of the industry’s “biggest surprises” in wholesale and used markets earlier this week.

To find out what unfolded in the lanes in Q1, see the Auto Remarketing story here.

NADA UCG also provided the following chart to illustrate its predictions for wholesale price movement in the lanes this week:

NADA Segment Average AuctionNet® Wholesale Price 2-Week v. Current
4-Week Average 2-Week Average Current Week % Change $ Change
Compact Car $11,275 $11,225 $11,250 0.2% $25
Compact Utility $15,400 $15,350 $15,300 -0.3% ($50)
Industry Average $16,425 $16,375 $16,375 0.0% $0
Large Pickup $21,050 $20,975 $20,900 -0.4% ($75)
Large SUV $28,000 $28,275 $28,400 0.4% $125
Luxury Car $23,875 $23,950 $23,950 0.0% $0
Luxury Utility $27,100 $27,025 $27,000 -0.1% ($25)
Mid-Size Car $13,350 $13,275 $13,200 -0.6% ($75)
Mid-Size Utility $19,475 $19,475 $19,475 0.0% $0
Mid-Size Van $16,025 $16,050 $15,900 -0.9% ($150)