Most Categories Return to Typical Seasonal Trends

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]easonal Average Wholesale Pricing (AWP) began to stabilize in September. Metric Cruisers, Sport bikes and ATVs were only down slightly from the prior three-month average and Side-by-Sides were up. The MX category was down further and Domestic Cruisers continued to slide as new models entered the market despite robust volume.

Metric Cruiser pricing is still off almost 17% from last year, but this is almost entirely due to the average model age of units sold being over a year older than last year with an average category model age of 8.6 years. Other categories were fairly similar to last year’s pricing, with Side-by-Sides up further due to a higher-priced product mix.

In general, the mix of product sold overall remains older than months past with some slight improvement in average vehicle condition. Furthermore, the seasonality curves for most categories are returning to normal.

What does all this data mean? First, wholesale pricing is consistent with normal trends, allowing sellers to actively continue their liquidation and inventory turn policies. Second, when combined
with typical seasonal trends, we are at the end of the seasonal lull and the next few months are the last opportunity to buy inventory at a discount before spring.

Lastly, auction volumes are healthy and NPA Value Guide usage is up, reflecting a stable repo flow and a normal powersports retail environment for this time of year.

All data provided by National Powersport Auctions. For more information, please visit www.npauctions.com or call (888) 292-5339