The demand for cars — especially units that could be retailed to potential buyers on the lower end of the credit spectrum — continued to be the topic in both the lanes and among Black Book editors last week.

The latest Black Book Market Insights report shows both car and truck segments retaining their values better than they have in the past six months. Editors highlighted car segments even increased their value as a whole by 0.21 percent as they said, “The lackluster performance of car segments seen in recent weeks was overcome by strong values last week."

Black Book noticed compact car and midsize car segments gained the most by 0.57 percent and 0.45 percent, respectively.

“This year promises to have a seasonal lift which was lacking last year,” editors added as the volume-weighted car market had declined on average by 0.38 percent in the previous four weeks.

On the truck side, looking at volume-weighted data, Black Book determined overall truck segment values (including pickups, SUVs and vans) decreased by 0.12 percent last week, lower than the depreciation rate of 0.40 percent spotted during the previous four weeks.

Editors said the sub-compact crossover segment declined the most by 0.89 percent, while compact van values increased by 0.37 percent.

 “The typical spring market lift was evident last week with most vehicle segments performing well. Increased demand for compact and midsize cars drove values higher," said Anil Goyal, senior vice president of automotive valuation and analytics at Black Book.

What Goyal conveyed also was confirmed by Black Book’s representatives stationed at auctions nationwide. A large wholesaler and retail dealer from Kentucky told Black Book, “Full-size trucks have softened while compact vehicles have begun to hold their own.”

And next door in Tennessee, a scenario that’s unfolded multiple times this month surfaced again as Black Book’s lane watcher reported, “Not enough clean, older model vehicles at auction to keep up with the retail demand being driven mostly by tax refunds.”

Further south, the story continued as Black Book’s auction attendee in Georgia added, “The tax/spring market was evident today with vehicles selling often with strong values.”

Meanwhile on the opposite end of the East Coast, winter weather is still playing a role in the wholesale market, at least in Massachusetts.

“Low supply here this week led to strong prices. The negative effect on values that the snow storm would have created was off-set by the low supply,” Black Book’s representative said.

In Pennsylvania, the hammer didn’t exactly pound, especially in certain lanes. “Lots of activity in the dealer consignment lanes but the sales percentages weren’t great.”

Black Book also attended the grand opening of ADESA Chicago — which Auto Remarketing chronicled here. The Black Book observer added, “Great mix of vehicles and prices were strong.”

Finally, out West, Black Book’s watcher in Washington noted, “Prices are stable with a good selection of clean inventory. Sale percentages were up from last week.”