DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Auto dealer technology and service provider JMsolutions has released findings which show that pre-owned SUVs and trucks are earning excellent returns in traditionally "truck-friendly" markets. That means used-vehicle sales opportunities remain despite the nationwide downturn in new-SUV and -truck sales. For example, in Dallas, nine of the 11 most profitable used-vehicle models in August were full-size SUVs or large pickup trucks.

The data, based on nearly 62,000 vehicles retailed in the U.S. in August by dealers using JMsolutions' AAX used-vehicle inventory management system, also showed similar trends in other regions. The second most-profitable used vehicle in the Washington, D.C. market was the Chevy Trailblazer, with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Dodge Ram 1500 respectfully rounding out the top 20 most profitable used vehicles. The Jeep Liberty held the No. 1 rank in used-vehicle profitability in the South Florida market.

"It's clear that dealers who continue to utilize AAX and follow our inventory management philosophy are maximizing margins and 'turns' in their stores when buying and selling vehicles," said Scot Eisenfelder, group vice president at JMsolutions. "The ability to adjust quickly and appropriately to the market is enabling dealers to reap the benefits on many vehicles that they may otherwise assume are losers. Rather than moving too far under the vehicle's book value and risk making the trade for a new vehicle, dealers are proactively using their store's AAX data to base buying and pricing decisions. This allows them to be more competitive on trades, winning more new-car deals."