Wholesale values rise slightly at end of January: OPENLANE

It its latest Market Index, OPENLANE says wholesale used-vehicle prices rose slightly in the latter two weeks of January after starting the year on a steady decline.

The February report indicates the previous month saw prices soften to a low of 111 from a high of 117 to start the year. Relative to a baseline of 100, prices climbed slowly to end the month at 113.

All segments experienced a drop except for trucks, which continued a relatively steady climb since hitting a low in November 2008. Minivan prices decreased and ended the month slightly below December tallies as SUV prices dipped four percentage points compared to the same time period.

OPENLANE, which also monitors dealer interest, reported dealer interest in cars and minivans increased by nine and 30 points respectively last month. The flipside saw dealer interest drop in SUVs by six points and trucks by 20 points dropping below January 2009 numbers.