My Car Check Trade used LCV market overview April 2015:
More stock than we've had for ages but where are the customers?
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My Car Check Tradeis the trade valuations arm of CDL Vehicle Information Services. Based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, these monthly bulletins highlight the most significant trends in the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market.
My Car Check Trade's LCV expert, David Hill, commented: "March ended with many in the van trade feeling uneasy about their stock levels. Most dealers have a good selection of vehicles but are missing one vital ingredient, customers. Many dealers have told us that the phone just isn't ringing, with some resorting to price drops to try and generate some retail interest.
"February's National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) report tells us that volume into the market was up by 23%. The average trade selling price decreased by 2% and the average mileage of vehicles offered dropped slightly. All these factors have affected values this month.
"We've all been waiting for some volume but with the registration plate part exchanges we've suddenly got more stock than we've had for quite some time. Most auction sites are awash with stock being prepared for sale, and the stock seems to be more or less the same across the country. Anything different should still make all the money.
"Small vans are plentiful with blue and white Vauxhall Corsa vans available in the marketplace again, along with the ever popular Ford Fiesta. We also now have Ford Transit Courier appearing and selling well, as a new model should do.
"Citroen Nemo and its sister vans are about in numbers and this volume means prices suffer. There are a few Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner vans around again - those in good colours with extra specification sell first, but there's plenty of run of the mill ones about too. Fiat Doblo is around in numbers and popular with the trade as an alternative to the aforementioned, and they sell well. An old model Vauxhall Combo can still be great news if it's tidy and in a good colour.
"You can take your pick of panel vans right now. Ford Transit short wheelbase models are about in all variants, colours and roof heights. The ones from the media company are very much in demand - they're about the only van the trade will fight over at present. Ford Transit Custom is available and any of the Citroen Relay / Fiat Ducato variants should sell well as an alternative to a Transit.
"The larger panel van sector provides about the only glimmer of good news in the marketplace. There's a batch of Volkswagen Crafter flat roof vans coming into the market - they're mainly good on miles, so condition is key. There's also some new model Ford Transit 350s, mostly 12-month-old examples, although the trade seems a little unsure about where the values should be compared to the price of a brand new one. We still have some yellow Ford Transit Jumbos in the market - they sell well for what they are and we don't feel they have any wider impact on the sector.
"Chassis derivatives are still in short supply and the trade will bid good money for anything different. If they have six or seven of the same vehicle to choose from, it will only deflate the prices.
"The 4x4 market is still slow with a good choice available at most sales around the country. The Volkswagen Amarok remains the star performer in this sector."
MyCarCheck.com/Tradeprovides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration.
Simply enter a van, car or motorcycle registration and the vehicle's mileage to get an accurate valuation and additional information in an instant. Once signed up you can check as many vehicles as you like at no extra cost.
The MyCarCheck.com/Tradeteam includes:
Gavin Amoshas 15 years' experience in the used vehicle sector. After starting out at CAP he worked in several dealerships, progressing into management. He has hands-on experience of sourcing and disposing of stock, both to trade and retail customers.
David Hillspecialises in LCVs. He worked with Renault, LDV and Isuzu Trucks before spending 10 years as CAP's Light Commercial Vehicle Editor then 5 years as national used vehicle sales manager for Iveco. He joined CDL in 2011.
Rob Hobsonspecialises in motorbikes and scooters. After leaving a dealer role to launch CAP's Green Book, he worked in business development for Piaggio.
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Notes To Editors
There is a "MyCarCheck_Trade" JPG to go with this.
MyCarCheck.com/Trade, MyCarCheck.com, MyMotorCycleCheck.com, MyTextCheck and the MyCarCheck apps are brands of CDL Vehicle Information Services, owned by CDL Group Holdings Ltd of Stockport, Cheshire.
CDL Vehicle Information Services is a member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the Consumer Credit Trade Association (CCTA), the Finance and Leasing Association (FLA), the Motor Asset Registration Service (MARS), the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) and the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).
For sales, contact the MyCarCheck.com/Tradeteam on 0844 482 1963.
For media enquiries, contact Neil Kennett on 07986 921 742.