CARMEL, Ind. -

Wholesale prices on average stayed above $10,000 in April, according to ADESA Analytical Services’ monthly analysis of wholesale prices by vehicle model class.

Analysts determined wholesale prices in April averaged $10,096, which was 0.7 percent higher compared to March, but 4.5 percent lower relative to April 2012.

“As in March, wholesale used-vehicle prices rose seasonally but fell annually in April, indicating continuation of a softening overall pricing environment,” ADESA’s Tom Kontos said.

“Retail sales of used vehicles in April were down on a year-over-year basis for the first time in 2013, although dealers still saw month-over-month used vehicle sales growth and year-over-year growth in CPO sales,” Kontos continued.

Kontos mentioned th largest monthly increases in prices were concentrated in the SUV classes, corresponding to strong new vehicle sales of SUVs in April.

“Consumer interest in these vehicles has been aided by more favorable gas prices and better fuel economy in newer SUV models,” Kontos said. “At the same time, compact cars also showed strong month-over-month increases.”

ADESA indicated that April prices for used vehicles remarketed by manufacturers were up 1.0 percent month-over-month, but down 3.0 percent year-over-year. 

The company noticed last month’s prices for fleet/lease consignors moved up 1.6 percent sequentially, but slipped 2.3 percent annually.

Furthermore, analysts pointed out dealer consignors saw a 2.2 percent average price increase in April versus March, but a 6.4-percnet downturn versus April of last year.

“Thus, all three major seller groups experienced the same seasonal uptick but annual downturn seen for prices in the market as a whole,” Kontos said.

Kontos wrapped up his monthly commentary by citing data from CNW Research that showed retail used-vehicle sales were down 1.4 percent year-over-year for franchised dealers and 0.2 percent for independent dealers in April, although both dealer types saw significant (more than 24 percent) month-over-month increases. 

He also noted April sales of certified pre-owned vehicles came off their all-time high in March, and were down 7.2 percent month-over-month but were up 23.2 percent year-over-year based on figures from Autodata Corp.

ADESA's Wholesale Used-Vehicle Price Trends
   Average  Prices  ($/Unit)  Latest Month  Versus:
   April 2013  March 2013  April 2012  Prior Month  Prior Year
           
 Total All Vehicles  $10,096  $10,028  $10,577  0.7%  -4.5%
           
 Total Cars  $9,195  $9,189  $9,844  0.1%  -6.6%
 Compact Cars  $7,265  $7,065  $7,870  2.8%  -7.7%
 Midsize Cars  $8,512  $8,520  $8,964  -0.1%  -5.0%
 Full-size Cars  $7,642  $7,883  $8,007  -3.0%  -4.6%
 Luxury Cars  $12,249  $12,057  $13,236  1.6%  -7.5%
 Sporty Cars  $13,048  $13,058  $14,011  0.0%  -6.9%
           
 Total Trucks  $9,935  $9,753  $10,219  1.9%  -2.8%
 Minivans  $6,959  $6,929  $7,746  0.4%  -10.2%
 Full-size Vans  $10,089  $9,982  $9,330  1.1%  8.1%
 Mini SUVs  $11,415  $11,227  $11,178  1.7%  2.1%
 Midsize SUVs  $7,377  $6,911  $7,691  6.7%  -4.1%
 Full-size SUVs  $10,973  $10,647  $12,033  3.1%  -8.8%
 Luxury SUVs  $18,379  $18,144  $19,734  1.3%  -6.9%
 Compact Pickups  $7,579  $7,550  $8,100  0.4%  -6.4%
 Full-size Pickups  $11,889  $11,790  $11,513  0.8%  3.3%
           
 Total Crossovers  $13,498  $13,572  $14,127  -0.5%  -4.5%
 Compact CUVs  $11,999  $12,098  $11,907  -0.8%  0.8%
 Midsize/Full-size CUVs  $15,003  $15,084  $16,760  -0.5%  -10.5%

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