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Small is becoming beautiful
Page 67
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As operators turn to smaller vans the supply of used 3.5-tonners is
set to outstrip demand, which does not bode well for residuals.
Residuals are under threat as operators turn their backs on 3.5-tonne vans in favour of smaller vchicles.This trend which affects new and used vehicles alike, means supply is threatening to swamp demand as operators choose vans specced at 2.6 tonnes.
According to George Alexander, chief CV editor at Gloss:v G hide: -Businesses have realised these smaller vans are prettier to look at.easier to live with and far more suited to the majority of used buyers who typically need to park their wheels outside their home.
"Over the next couple of years the used market for late-year 35-tonne long-wheelbase vans will be awash with stock. The result will be that with no export market to save the day, prices will fall in response to volume and how well demand holds up.
-Only the best used stock will escape this dire situation," he adds, "as there will rarely be too much choice at this end of the market."
While the scale of the fall in price is hard to predictrAlexander says it will "undoubtedly be a long way". He expects to see "many big used vans being valued below those comparable smaller models from the same manufacturer" . The situation might be complicated by changes in the legislation governing speed limits, tachographs and operator licensing.
He concludes: -The best advice to fleets planning to dispose of high numbers of 3.5-tonne panel vans over the next 18 months is to adjust residual expectations firmly downwards, ensure that each van is presented to its highest potential, keep the numbers offered on any one day to a sensible level, and accept the first sensible bid." •