Cars Outpace Trucks in Lost Value
Black Book’s latest Market Insights Report finds used cars continue to depreciate faster than light trucks, but strong incentives for new cars indicate sustained demand for some types.

Pre-owned full-size cars such as the Chrysler 300 depreciated by an average of 0.77% in Black Book’s latest weekly report, but incentives for new full-size cars stood at 13% of MSRP, tied for third-highest among all vehicle types.
Photo courtesy Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The latest Market Insights Report from Black Book (div. Hearst Automotive) finds full-size cars leading all categories in depreciation but holding their own in available incentives. Values for pre-owned full-size cars fell by 0.77% compared to the prior four-week period, contributing to an average decline of 0.41% for all car segments.
Used SUVs, CUVs, trucks, and vans fared better, declining in value by an average of 0.23%. Values for subcompact cars and subcompact luxury crossovers were flat and prices for compact vans fell by only 0.01%. Minivans led all truck categories in depreciation, registering an 0.4% decline.
Meanwhile, incentives for new-vehicle purchases remained strong for several car types, led by luxury (14.5% of MSRP), near-luxury (14.3%), and compact and full-size (both 13%). Minivan incentives stood at 11.2%; small pickups had the lowest incentive level among all vehicle types at 5.2%.
Analysts noted the figures for Black Book’s latest report were collected during the Thanksgiving holiday week, when auction traffic is disrupted.
“Used-vehicle values were stable with the abbreviated auction schedules last week, and most auto auctions experienced lower demand,” noted Anil Goyal, the firm’s executive vice president of operations.
To read the full report, click here.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Showroom

Dealers a Little Down
A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.
Read More →
European EV Sales Skyrocket
The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Used Lots Getting the Business
Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.
Read More →
Used Market Stabilizes
The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.
Read More →
California Hybrids Reach State Record
The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.
Read More →
My Mercedes in the U.S.
The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.
Read More →
Used Sales Hit Summer Drag
The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.
Read More →
California Launches EV Rebate Program
Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →