New van sales recovery some way off, used sales remain strong

Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Van sales are still some way off making a full recovery according to the latest projections from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Next year should see 187,200 light commercials sold in Britain it says. That’s a small rise when compared with this year’s predicted total of 182,800 registrations, which is itself a staggering 45.8 per cent down on the pre-recession high of 337,741 in 2007. Come 2011 registrations should increase to 213,300; a welcome upswing, but still 36.8 per cent down on the high of two years ago.

While new sales are in the doldrums, prices being realised by used vans appear to be rising. According to auctioneer Manheim, the average wholesale used van sale price rose by 4.8 per cent (£156) in September compared with August; the seventh month this year to have seen values increase. The sale price was up by 19.3 per cent (£554) when compared with September 2008.

In this context, increased concentration on light commercial sales at Manheim’s Mansfield, Nottinghamshire site seems to be paying off. By the end of September a total of 1,620 vans worth in excess of £4.2m had been sold; more than in the whole of 2008.

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