Kelley Blue Book Market Report for March 2012 says values of used fuel-efficient compacts increased a modest 0.4 percent in February; however, values picked up significant momentum during the last weeks of the month.  In just the last week of the month, used compacts increased 1.3 percent, while hybrid cars increased a more substantial 3.6 percent.  The 2010 Toyota Prius led the gains, as it increased in value $1,370 through the month of February.

Below is highlights from the Kelley Blue Book Market Report for March 2012:

• February Sales Surpass 15 Million SAAR, Momentum to Slow in March

Sales in February surged to heights not seen since 2007 and 2008, and surpassed even the most optimistic industry forecasts.  Sales topped 15 million SAAR in February, well in excess of the 14.2 million SAAR in January 2012 and 13.3 million SAAR of February 2011.  In the months ahead, Kelley Blue Book believes sales will continue to beat levels from a year ago; however, it is unlikely that sales will approach 15 million SAAR…

• Consumers Seek More Fuel-Efficient Vehicles in February

During the past several weeks, fuel prices reached more than $3.70 per gallon nationally and as high as $4.30 per gallon in California.  As the likelihood of $4.00 per gallon gas before summer increases every day, consumers are making it clear that fuel efficiency will be a high priority in their purchase decisions in the months ahead.  According to a recent survey on kbb.com, Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence found that 51 percent of in-market consumers are now considering smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles…

• Oil Price Volatility Poses Significant Risk to Auto Industry

As oil prices continue to climb it seems more and more likely that we will surpass the $4.11 per gallon record that we saw in the summer of 2008.  A spike in fuel prices of this magnitude could have significant repercussions for both the auto industry and consumers, driving up prices at a time when the average household is least able to afford it.  If oil prices crest $4.00 per gallon for a sustained period of time we run the risk of the economy slipping back into recession…

• Chrysler, Mazda, Volkswagen and Hyundai Lead Sales Gains; Continue to Fight for Share

Chrysler, Mazda, Volkswagen and Hyundai posted solid sales gains versus last year, each far surpassing the industry average increase of 16 percent.  Each of these brands relied on solid redesigns, new introductions and fuel-efficient vehicles to post one of the strongest monthly performances since 2008.  All four of these brands have increased their share steadily since sales bottomed out in 2009, while traditional heavyweights General Motors, Toyota and Honda have given up market share…

• Used Compacts on the Rise, Could Repeat 20 Percent Gains of 2011

Values of used fuel-efficient compacts increased a modest 0.4 percent in February; however, values picked up significant momentum during the last weeks of the month.  In just the last week of the month, used compacts increased 1.3 percent, while hybrid cars increased a more substantial 3.6 percent.  The 2010 Toyota Prius led the gains, as it increased in value $1,370 through the month of February.  Dealers have been aggressively bidding on fuel-efficient vehicles at auction as consumer demand increases…

• Used Truck and SUV Values Remain Steady Even as Fuel Prices Soar

In the midst of steadily rising gas prices, it is reasonable to assume that values for large trucks and SUVs will suffer.  Surprisingly, full-size sport utility vehicles were flat through February and remain up $450 from the beginning of the year.  Full-size pickup trucks performed even better, jumping $487 in the last month alone, and up $630 on a year-to-date basis…

LATEST HOT USED-CAR REPORT

• “When the Price at the Pumps is at Play, Customers Will Stray”

Gas prices soared in February, causing kbb.com shopper research on fuel-efficient vehicles to climb as well.  The top two rising segments this month are the hybrid car and compact car segments.  The rate of growth for the hybrid car segment is roughly three times greater than that of the compact car segment, fueled primarily by interest in the 2010 Lexus HS… 

Click here for the full Kelley Blue Book Market Report for March 2012