Swapalease.com Sees Stronger Leasing Activity Ahead
Swapalease.com executives note climbing used-car values will help a stronger lease market. So, too, will a dwindling supply of used vehicles and improving credit availability. The higher depreciation values will encourage leasing, say company officials.
New Car Sales Affecting Used Car Values
Increase in new car sales in recent months has forced decline in used vehicle prices, says Ricky Beggs, Black Book managing editor, pointing to a continuation of softer used car market.
Lower- and Mid-Priced Tiers Played Big Role in Record Setting Manheim Index
Values of late-model units are healthy, says Tom Webb, chief economist at Manheim, as the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index hits record high for 3rd month in a row. Prices of late-model vehicles remain high helped by low levels of new-vehicle inventory.
Automakers Face Problem Meeting Fuel Economy Standards for Pickups
Ford F-150 still leads the way as the top selling U.S. car or truck. Sales of pickups are climbing 8 - 35% better than a year ago in January to May despite rising fuel prices. Automakers will have enormous trouble meeting the new 35.5 mpg fuel economy standard from the 16-18 mpg they get now while keeping pickups affordable.
May Wholesale Prices Slip as New Vehicles Look Attractive
With incentives helping boost the new-vehicle market, wholesale prices dipped slightly in May. The drop was expected and may continue through year's end. Analysts also noted that some segments like midsize vans and large pickups outperformed expectations.
