Wholesale Auction Market Cools Slightly in May Amid Strong Year-to-Date Growth and Shifting Vehicle Mix
Wholesale auction sales reached 601,300 vehicles in May, a 3.5% year-over-year increase but a 3.4% decline from April’s peak, which had been the strongest month since July 2020, according to AuctionNet.
Year-to-date sales totaled 3.05 million units, up 7.1% from 2024 but still 14% below 2019 levels.
Dealer auction sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in May after a surge in April driven by tariff-related trade-ins, while commercial sales growth slowed to 4.5%.
EV auction sales jumped 48% year-over-year to 13,500 units, though down from April, contributing to a 53% year-to-date gain.
Off-rental vehicle sales surged 23% from last year, while off-lease sales declined 19%.
Older vehicle segments showed mixed results, with 7-plus-year-old sales rising 8%, reflecting increased repossessions.
Meanwhile, wholesale vehicle prices flattened in May, dropping 2% after a 2% April gain but remaining 5.6% higher than a year ago.
Subaru MY25 Order Bank Closure Notice
Effective immediately, MY25 Impreza order banks are closed.
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