ANDY PICTON'S BLOG: Autumn’s auction action so far

Date: Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Attendances at auction during September and October continued to be positive with buyers actively seeking out the best available stock. However, the trade is being selective, which  resulted in a 2.4% drop in volumes sold during September.

The average sale price rose by £105 as did the average mileage, which increased by 236 miles over the month. This figure was still 4,544 miles lower than at the same point 12 months ago.

Volumes at auction are showing signs of increase as some of the auction houses have introduced additional sales. Demand for ‘retail’-spec stock continues unabated, however – any nice-condition ‘fleet-spec’ medium or large panel van with sensible miles has seen a growing following with the best examples exchanging hands for ‘Guide’ money.

Blue utility Volkswagen Caddy vans are a regular sight at auction at the moment, with the extra spec making these prime stock. The current Ford Transit Connect is another that is available in ready numbers – however, buyers have been a little choosy, with the base 75hp models struggling against a market that is very much geared to ‘retail’ specification.

The medium panel van remains the dominant force with a third of all sales taking place in this sector. The Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro along with the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Hyundai iLoad all have a loyal following and perform well.

The market for 4x4s continues to show improvement as conversion rates are up 40% on August and are now on a par with this time last year. Conversely, sales in the large panel van sector over the same period are down.

Andy Picton is chief commercial vehicle editor of Glass’s, the used vehicle valuation experts.



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