New-Vehicle Retail Sales Rise 5% in May
New vehicle retail sales increased 5% year-over-year in May, however, the amount of people reporting that they’ll buy a new vehicle in the second half of 2018 is on the decline, according to Cox Automotive’s June 2018 Industry Update.
While new-vehicle sales were up in May, there were fewer people reporting that they would be interested in buying a new-vehicle in the second half of 2018.
Photo: Eric Gandarilla
New vehicle retail sales increased 5% year-over-year in May, however, the amount of people reporting that they’ll buy a new vehicle in the second half of 2018 is on the decline, according to Cox Automotive’s June 2018 Industry Update.
Last year was the first year that the auto industry saw a decline in new-vehicle sales in seven years. The fate of this year is still unclear, but the continued decline in new-vehicle sales will have an effect on the supply and value of used vehicles in the years to come.
Used vehicle sales this year remain slightly above the pace set in 2017; however, sales were down 1% year-over-year during May. Certified Pre-Owned sales were a bright spot for the used market in May, however, as sales for the segment were up 5%.
Looking at the fleet segment, commercial fleet sales increased 2% year-over-year, rental fleet increased 30%, and government fleet sales decreased 1%.
Related: First-Half 2018 Retail Sales Weakest in Four Years
More Used Vehicle Values
What Happens When Residual Values Meet Real-World Markets
A truck's trade value isn't determined on turn-in day. Learn how market cycles, maintenance, and timing shape the gap between residuals and reality.
Read More →
Manheim Index Shows Used-Vehicle Wholesale Prices Up 2.1% in June
The market is seeing stronger appreciation in older used vehicles this year, and the most affordable segments have been among the year’s best performers.
Read More →
Stop Remarketing Electric Vehicles Like Gas Cars
The advantages and attributes of electric vehicles are upending the traditional remarketing cycle, requiring fleet sellers to rely on new factors and approaches detailed below.
Read More →
Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows
The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Used EV Sales Grow In April
While EV sales declined, used EV sales grew, as tighter inventory and rising prices reflected a more normalized pace for the EV market.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April
The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.
Read More →
CAR 2026 Recap Part 2: Closing the Gap Between Data & Remarketing Value
The second half of CAR 2026 examined how fleets can translate lifecycle strategy, vehicle data, and market shifts into higher real-world results.
Read More →
CAR2026 in Two Words: Velocity, Value (Part 1)
The 2026 Conference of Automotive Remarketing convened with a mandate to involve a new constituency — fleet managers — and an updated mission to demonstrate unrealized value in de-fleeted vehicles.
Read More →
March Used Vehicle Inventory Falls To Lowest Since 2019
Franchised and independent dealers had a total of 1.95 million used vehicles in stock in March, the lowest on record in the current data set.
Read More →