Present vans in saleable condition
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Confidence remains fragile in the used van sector as dealers fight to buy the few ready-tosell vans and not those that require some TLC
THERE REMAINS a lack of enthusiasm by the used van trade to invest in poor-condition vans to get them ready for retail, it prefers clean vehicles to ensure a swift sale.
British Car Auctions (BCA) commercial vehicles general manager Duncan Ward said buyer conidence remains fragile and there is a reluctance to buy vehicles in poor condition because of the investment required to get them ready for retail. “Trade buyers are looking for a quick turnaround and often buy to order, rather than speculating on vehicles,” he said.
This approach is leading to ierce competition and rising values for the best examples arriving at auction. “This stock shortage is a longterm issue and is unlikely to change while new van volumes languish well below pre-recession levels,” he said. Wider economic conditions remain challenging as there is little good news in the economy for the sole traders and small businesses that typically buy used LCVs. “If business conidence is low, replacing the company van may become a low priority and that will inevitably hit demand in the wider used market,” he said.
Ward said BCA advises sellers to review their remarketing activity to ensure vans are presented in the most saleable condition to meet demand. “This message increases in importance over the coming weeks as there will be the usual volume uplift in September and October that sellers should be planning for now,” he said.