My Car Check Trade used LCV market overview May 2015: Most values steady but small van prices fluctuating depending on volume
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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: "April started slowly and got progressively stronger. Values on the whole have remained steady, except where volume caused individual models to slip a little. With two bank holidays in one month, May will, as always, be challenging. As more people start to head off on holiday, trade buyers complain that they cannot get decisions made. We expect values to remain steady this month and, although the market will slow down, the volume coming in is also likely to slow. This should hopefully keep the market in balance.
"The small van sector is where we have most volume. Ford Transit Connect is still the strongest performer. Volkswagen Caddy values are fluctuating from week to week depending on volume. There are plenty of Citroen Nemo vans around, and its sister vans too. As usual, the better specification models are easier to sell, but very tidy, high mileage examples look great value. Ford Transit Courier is coming to market and values need to be watched closely. Fiat Doblo is also coming to market in volume and buyers are happy to take them as good retail stock, even the ex-postal service examples sell well. With more Mercedes Benz Citan models coming through, retail buyers still seem unconvinced of its benefits over a Renault Kangoo.
"In the small panel van sector, there are lots of late, short wheelbase Ford Transits. With such choice available, buyers are naturally picking off the nicest ones first. The new Ford Transit Custom is a regular at most auction sites now. It is getting a following and values look to have settled down.
"Volkswagen Transporter is still the favourite with retail buyers, but they're getting increasingly choosey about what they want from a van. Vauxhall Vivaro stock is drying up a little. Even some 55 plate models from the telecoms industry have been snapped up at good money by the trade - they have a reputation for being well looked after. We have also started to see some new model Vivaros appearing in open auctions.
"The market for larger panel vans remains strong, with good examples of both the Fiat Ducato and Citroen Relay so sought after by the trade. Long wheelbase Ford Transits are still hard to come by, leading many retail buyers to consider less expensive alternatives. Mercedes Benz Sprinter is still the larger panel van that most retail buyers would ideally like to own, with the Volkswagen Crafter a close second, especially the face-lifted model with sensible miles and full history.
"Spring is traditionally the start of the minibus season, but legislation changes are hampering this sector. Unfortunately we now have some volume to further hinder this already slow market. However, demand for six, seven and eight seat models is buoyant. The Volkswagen Caravelle is particularly popular with retail buyers and prices certainly reflect this.
"The 4x4 market is steady with Mitsubishi still the number one in terms of volume. The star performer here is still the Volkswagen Amarok."
My Car Check Trade provides 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 My Car Check Trade team 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
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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.
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