CAP Red Book reports hard slog
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• The heavy commercial vehicles market is still tough while light commercials are moving along at a fairly respectable pace, according to CAP Red Book in its latest report on the marketplace.
It says though many auction sites have had good heavy commercial entries, the going is hard. Clean late-model vehicles are keenly sought after but the remainder of the entry is taking some selling, with many dealers being very selective. It seems leasing and rental companies have decided to put a hold on their disposal programmes while trade is at a low. And though in the short term this may seem like a good idea, the CAP report suggests prices are not likely to increase and their vehicles can only decrease in value.
Light commercial entries at auction are good. Sales of Astra, Astramax and Transit vans, especially ex-fleet rentals are very healthy, with recent examples at auction attracting high residuals, and in some cases approaching retail figures.
Trade sources report a slight shortage in Japanese panel vans and 4 x4 pickups, particularly those with diesel power. CAP suggests anything clean and ready for retail is the order of the day.