The 2025 auto market is a study in contrasts: March new-vehicle sales surged to record highs even as tariffs threaten disruption, while used car prices continue their uneven climb. Below, we break down wholesale trends, inventory shifts, and policy risks reshaping the industry .

Week Over Week Wholesale Price Changes

CategoryThis WeekLast Week2020–2023 Average
Car Segments+0.08%+0.11%+0.21%
Truck & SUV Segments+0.20%+0.36%-0.06%
Whole Market+0.17%+0.29%+0.06%
Week Over Week Wholesale Price Changes, 4-4-2025
Week Over Week Wholesale Price Changes 4 4 2025
  • Market: +0.17% WoW (vs. +0.29% prior week), still above pre-pandemic averages .
  • Trucks/SUVs: +0.20% (led by Mid-Size Crossovers at +0.52%) .
  • Cars: +0.08%, with Full-Size Cars up +0.36% for the 4th week .
  • Key Insight: Tariff anticipation (25% on imports by April 3) is driving demand for domestic used trucks and SUVs .

Car Segments

Car Segments, 4-4-2025
Car Segments 4 4 2025
  • Winners: Full-Size Cars (+0.36%), Compact Cars (+0.40% for 0-2yo models).
  • Losers: Sub-Compact Cars (-0.13%), Prestige Luxury Cars (-0.60%).
  • Trend: Older vehicles (8-16yo) depreciate faster (-0.10%) as buyers prioritize newer, tariff-proof inventory.

Truck & SUV Segments

Truck&SUV Segments , 4-4-2025
TruckSUV Segments 4 4 2025
  • Top Gainers: Mid-Size Crossover/SUVs (+0.52%), Small Pickups (+0.24%) .
  • Decliners: Full-Size Vans (-0.30%), Luxury Crossovers (-0.61%) .
  • Why It Matters: Tariffs could amplify demand for domestic trucks, with OEMs like Ram prioritizing electrified models .

Inventory and Retail Trends

Used Retail Listing Volume Index, 4-4-2025
Used Retail Listing Volume Index 4 4 2025
Used Retail Days to Turn, 4-4-2025
Used Retail Days to Turn 4 4 2025
  • Retail Prices: +0.17% WoW, driven by tax refunds and spring demand.
  • Days-to-Turn: 45 days (up from 42 in February), signaling tighter inventory.
  • Wholesale Inventory: Declined in March, with auction conversion rates at 63%.

Industry News Highlights

March Sales Shatter Records

New-vehicle sales hit 1.52M units (+9.6% YoY), with retail transactions up 13%. Incentives rose to $3,059/unit, cushioning tariff fears .

EV Market Reset Underway

Mainstream EVs (Chevrolet, Hyundai) now cost $44K avg.—$1K less than gas counterparts. Tesla’s refreshed Model Y and Rivian’s $45K R2 aim to reignite demand .

Tariff Uncertainty Dominates

A proposed 25% tariff on imports threatens price hikes by summer. Cox Automotive warns it could “upend” 2025 sales forecasts of 16.3M units .

Conclusion

The 2025 auto market is navigating a precarious balance: record sales collide with tariff risks and an EV affordability reset. For Georgia drivers, rising used truck values and luxury EV depreciation trends could impact diminished value claims—especially post-accident. Stay ahead with data-driven insights as volatility becomes the new norm.

author avatar
Raphael Schossler