Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Remain Stable as Market Finds Balance
Wholesale used-vehicle prices remained resilient in June, with the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rising 2.1% year over year and holding essentially flat from May. After peaking during the strong spring tax-refund season, values have settled into a more typical seasonal pattern while dealer demand remains healthy. Sales conversion rates continue to run above historical averages, indicating steady wholesale demand, and overall supply remains within normal seasonal levels. Older, more affordable vehicles continue to outperform as buyers remain focused on value.
For fleet operators, the wholesale market remains favorable for vehicle remarketing, although trends vary by segment. Electric vehicles continued to lead the market, with wholesale values up 12% year over year, while SUVs and pickups softened compared to last year. Looking ahead, a growing supply of off-lease vehicles—particularly EVs—could place downward pressure on resale values in select segments during the second half of 2026. Fleets should continue monitoring remarketing conditions and replacement timing, especially as fuel prices and increasing used EV inventory influence future residual values.
Toyota Opens Additional 2027 Order Banks and Expands Fleet Data Services
Toyota has opened order banks for several 2027 models, including the Corolla Hatchback, Land Cruiser, Prius Hybrid, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, bZ, bZ Woodland, Camry, Corolla Gas, and Crown. Fleet customers should note that July through November production for the 2027 Corolla Gas is already sold out, with December 2026 through May 2027 production allocations to be announced later. Toyota also updated the expected ordering timeline for several upcoming models, pushing the first order months for the 2027 C-HR BEV, Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Highlander BEV back by one month. Initial order windows for 2027 models will open at 10:00 a.m. CST.
June Auto Sales Strength Continues as Economic Signals Remain Mixed
The U.S. auto market posted its strongest performance of the year in June, with new-vehicle sales reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.5 million units, up 4.4% from a year ago. Fleet sales were a key contributor, increasing 10% year over year, while commercial fleet deliveries climbed 8% through the first half of 2026. Hybrid vehicles also continued gaining momentum, accounting for approximately 18% of new-vehicle sales as demand remained strong despite limited inventory. Although overall sales have proven resilient, much of the demand continues to be supported by higher-income consumers benefiting from strong equity markets, while affordability challenges persist for many households.