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While both franchised and independent used dealers selling vans and
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light commercials report a slowing down in the retail business, the experts behind Glass's Guide believe things could pick up by next year. Analysis from the well-respected trade guide shows that prices have fallen across all light CV sectors, after many months of stability As yet, it says this weakness is mostly restricted to less wellpresented vans with high mileage or damage. Elsewhere, falls in value represent little more than standard monthly movements driven by age and wear and tear.
'If we take into account the woes becoming manifest in the wider economy and the escalating price of fuel, which combine to put the squeeze on those small businesses that typically make up the vast majority of any dealer's customer base, then it becomes clear that there is trouble coming in our direction," comments George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at EurotaxGlass's.
"Currently, the mood among dealers is relaxed, Sentiment for the nicest used stock has held up well, although few have the appetite for untidy vans at any age, with the market feeling as though the summer turndown has come early in 2008," he adds.
However, Alexander has an upbeat message for those van dealers worried about the future. "Providing volumes do not grow too much in a sluggish market, and with the hope that by the start of winter the worst of the country's economic problems are in remission, things could look more promising by spring 2009."
It will be interesting to see if those predictions for better conditions for light commercial dealers reflect a broader trend for the good in heavy sector, too. Brian Weatherley