Black Book, a division of Hearst that provides used vehicle valuations and residual value forecast solutions, released its Used Vehicle Retention Index for May 2026. The seasonally adjusted Index increased 0.6% (0.8 points) to 147.4 from April 2026 (146.6), which is 1.3% below where it was at the same time in 2025.
“The spring market outperformed historical expectations this year, extending for roughly 15 weeks compared to the six-week average seen prior to the pandemic,” said Laura Wehunt, vice president of Data & Analytics at Black Book. “The sustained strength in demand contributed to a modest increase in Black Book’s Used Vehicle Retention Index in May, as seasonal market momentum carried further into the month than is typical. While wholesale conversion rates remained strong despite ongoing industry challenges, the market began showing signs of normalization toward the end of May. Looking ahead, we anticipate depreciation levels will continue increasing as the market transitions out of the spring selling season. Consumer confidence, fuel prices, and geopolitical uncertainty will remain key factors influencing vehicle demand in the months ahead.”
