GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Overall, dealers seemed to be easing their bidding aggression in the auction lanes last week as Black Book spotted fewer bidders on each vehicle.

Ricky Beggs, managing editor of Black Book, indicated that situation resulted in more stable market values and significantly fewer necessary adjustments. In fact, Beggs said editors adjusted less than 2,650 vehicles for the week.

Of those adjustments, Black Book reported that 68 percent were increases at an average of a little more than $155 per adjustment. Beggs went on to mention that both of those figures were slightly less than the changes for the previous week ending March 19. He indicated that time frame had 87 percent positive adjustments at an average of $169.

While the overall dealer aggression in the lanes might have been tempered, Beggs still noted one area of continued strong demand.

"The less expensive units, those in the $4,000 to $6,000 price range, continue to be the real strength in the market and are still attracting aggressive bidding," Beggs interjected during the "Beggs on the Used Car Market" video report.

Meanwhile segment-wise, Beggs shared that 17 of the 24 individual types of vehicles tracked by Black Book finished in positive territory for the week. He pointed out that of the seven segments that moved down, only full-size crossovers and luxury level cars displayed multiple-week negative trends.

Also noteworthy from Beggs was a positive trend finally coming for prestige luxury cars. He indicated the segment edged up $8 for the week, the first time it climbed this year.

"Overall, eight of the cars segments went up an average of $13, with nine of the 14 truck segments rising in value an average of $9," Beggs highlighted.

"This is the second consecutive week that the total car segment has increased in value and the sixth straight week for the trucks," he added.

In other developments, Beggs indicated that the Black Book staff has been traveling even more recently.

"From Los Angeles, Calif., to Louisville and Lexington, Ky., the Atlanta Auto Show and our usual auctions, too, we have been in the field tracking the market and learning about future and upgraded products that will soon show up in the used market," Beggs shared.

One particular vehicle Black Book is steadily collecting more information about is the 2011 Ford Mustang. Beggs noted the vehicle's two new engine options and coordinating six-speed transmissions create "exhilarating performance with segment-leading fuel economy all in a sports car package." He added that Black Book soon will be projecting residual values for this vehicle.

Beggs wrapped up his latest report by recapping Black Book's participation in a Webinar orchestrated by the Pre-Owned Automobile Dealers Alliance. He offered his perspective about sourcing of used vehicles in a limited supply marketplace, adding that the Webinar now is available at www.poada.biz.

"We encourage dealers to look at the opportunities through POADA with other upcoming market relative Webinars," Beggs stressed.