LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -

Perhaps some used-car managers filled a void left with no live sports to watch on television with observing activity during online sales.

The newest Black Book Market Insights report released on Tuesday indicated managers aren’t just watching; they’re starting to bid and buy a bit more, too.

Black Book vice president of automotive valuations Laura Wehunt went so far as to say, “This past week, we finally saw an uptick in sales rates on the lanes. At the start of the pandemic, we saw dealers tuning into digital sales as spectators, but they are starting to actively participate again.”

While participation might be gaining steam, the newest report showed that prices remain soft.

According to Black Book’s volume-weighted data, overall car segment values decreased by 1.32% this past week, which was consistent with the rate of depreciation that analysts spotted during the previous week (1.31%).

“On the lanes, we are seeing the cheaper, rougher condition vehicles garner attention, but the newer, 0- to 2-year-old units continue to struggle as new-car incentives are putting pressure on the used market,” analysts said.

Again based on its volume-weighted information, Black Book reported overall truck segment values (including pickups, SUVs, and vans) dropped by 1.38% last week.

Analysts pointed out full-Size Vans continue to be the spot of strength with another week of the lowest weekly change.

“Earlier in the year, there was an influx of supply on the lanes, but now companies are expecting to hold onto the ones they’ve got as there is an expected shortage later this year due to COVID-19 manufacturing closures,” analysts said.

Continuing on with what Black Book representatives shared about the sales they observed, the anecdotes covered an array of topics connected to the pandemic, including:

— From Florida: “We are still seeing the junk hold up well. We had the largest online bidder presence we’ve had since the crisis has been going on.”

— From North Carolina: “EVs and hybrids are depreciating more right now with the low fuel prices.”

— Another comment from Florida: “There were many cases today where the dealers would step-up to the counter bid.”

— From Pennsylvania: “Bidding was active and constant today with a lot of sales.”

— From Illinois “Buyers didn’t hold back today, even when CRs were going below 3.0.”