2021: Constrained Inventory Boost Resale Prices

摘要

Just as 2020 turned the idea of "normal" on its head, 2021 is experiencing its own non-normal. times. Since the year began, a confluence of factors has greatly impacted U.S. automotive re-marketing. Black Book market analysts observed, "2020 ended with used wholesale prices at elevated levels. With economic patterns (including the automotive market) driven by the pandemic, normal seasonal patterns ... in the wholesale market were not observed for most of the year It is now clear that 2021 will also not have typical seasonality patterns as the market is going through a rapid increase in wholesale values." Low inventories, triggered by pandemic-cased manufacturing shutdowns, semiconductors shortages and supply-chain interruptions, have propelled demand for used vehicles. Used-car wholesale prices have risen dramatically-some industry analysts estimate nearly 50-percent higher year over year (See chart "Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index" below.)