CARMEL, Ind. -

ADESA Analytical Services discovered July’s average wholesale vehicle prices slipped below a significant threshold — $10,000.

In fact, ADESA found July’s average wholesale price dropped 3 percent from June to $9,956. Analysts also pointed out that figure is 1.1 percent lower than the same month a year ago.

Other than full-size cars, which ADESA believes are a small-volume segment subject to large fluctuations, average prices were down for all model class segments for the month with full-size SUVs getting the largest hit.

“Average wholesale prices fell another $300 in June and are now more than $600 below their April peak for the year,” ADESA chief economist Tom Kontos calculated.

“A higher share of total auction sales made up of lower-dollar dealer consignment units, higher new-car incentives and seasonal moderation explain much of the decline,” Kontos indicated.

“Tight used-vehicle supplies plus strong retail demand should keep used-vehicle prices from dropping dramatically going forward despite some downward pressure from fall de-fleeting of rental and commercial fleet units,” he went on to say.

ADESA determined manufacturers registered a 2.0-percent month-over-month price decrease and an 11.3-percent year-over-year rise.

Meanwhile, analysts said fleet/lease consignors experienced a 1.9-percent sequential price decrease and a 0.8-percent annual decrease.

Furthermore, the company found dealer consignors saw a 1.3-percent average price decrease versus June and an 8.7-percent uptick versus July of last year.

ADESA estimated auction industry inventory levels stood at 24 days at month-end, compared to 29 days last July as used-vehicle supply remains tight.

Kontos continued his monthly commentary by noting data from other research outlets that delved into the retail side of the business.

Based on data from CNW Research, Kontos mentioned retail used-vehicle sales in July were up 17.8 percent year-over-year for franchised dealers and 10.7 percent for independent dealers.

On a month-over-month basis, used-vehicle sales were up for both groups as well (0.8 percent for franchised dealers and 3.1 percent for independents).

Elsewhere, Kontos reiterated information already reported by Auto Remarketing, July’s certified pre-owned sales ticked 1.4 percent higher versus June, registering the strongest showing of the year according to Autodata.

“So far this year, certified used-vehicle sales are up by about 66,000 units or 6.9 percent,” Kontos highlighted.

Finally, Kontos cited Edmunds.com analysis that determined July’s average new-vehicle incentives climbed by nearly $300 (14 percent) from their low of $2,089 in May.

“Although they remain about $380 (14 percent) below last July’s level,” Kontos concluded.