NEW ORLEANS – Though 2008 was one of the most challenging years ever for the U.S. automotive industry, used vehicles remained a source of profits for those dealers who were able to value trade-ins correctly and turn inventories quickly.

While national attention focused on the economy, fundamental shifts were taking hold in the remarketing industry in 2008 as both wholesale consignors and buyers looked for ways to become more efficient in their buying and selling practices. As a result, the use of online sales channels continued to accelerate at a record pace, foretelling a significant and lasting shift in the wholesale used car marketplace.

These and a host of other trends are analyzed in illuminating detail in the 14th annual edition of the 2009 Used Car Market Report (UCMR), which was released by Manheim Vice President of Marketing and Consulting Lynn Morgan at the National Automobile Dealers Association annual convention in New Orleans.

The 124-page report draws on Manheim’s own proprietary data as well as information from more than 40 other sources to provide the industry’s most comprehensive compilation of information and analyses. The report is available for purchase from Manheim Consulting in both print and electronic versions.

The Industry's Leading Source Of Information

“The UCMR is the centerpiece publication of Manheim Consulting, and once again this year we’ve pulled together expertise from within Manheim and throughout the industry to identify and analyze trends that often go undiscussed,” said Morgan. “Our goal is to give readers a deeper understanding of this massive yet often misunderstood industry.”

This year’s UCMR includes features on global remarketing, the salvage industry and technology.

For example, the report discusses:

• The coming shortage of late-model vehicles, which should positively impact used vehicle values within two years.
  

  
  

• The importance of exporters to both whole and salvage vehicle auctions.
  

  
  

• The ability of used vehicle price data to foretell the acceptance and value of new technologies and innovations.