Laurie Dealer puts his reputation on the me...
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Laurie Dealer has ueen hearing many predictions on how the UK new and used truck markets will pan out this year. Well, I'm in the business of making myself look silly, so this is how I predict 2010 will shape up.
The summer will start to see prices for used vehicles inching up as quality rolling stock becomes rare. With below-average new sales figures over the past four years, the sort of lateyear stock we have been used to is simply not there in sufficient volume.
In the fourth quarter of 2010 — when operators tool up to deliver extra supplies for the Christmas rush and just before the start of 2011 — rising used truck prices will close the gap with those for new, forcing operators back into the hands of the manufacturers.
If this coincides with economic recovery, then business could be brisk, if not, then the move back to new sales will be more gradual. Either way, banks will begin to grow in confidence and they should start lending properly.
By the time 2012 rolls around both new and used should be back on track.
Job's a good 'un.