It’s the final countdown
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Manheim has warned used van dealers to stock up for the changes in London’s LEZ that come into force in less than a fortnight
Words: Kevin Swallow
Manheim Remarketing says used van dealers should stock up ahead of the changes to the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that come into play on 3 January 2012, after a report revealed that a lot of noncompliant vans still operate in the capital.
Emission standards
A Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) report shows that of the 3.6 million vans on UK roads at the end of 2010, 31.1% were not eligible for the changes to the LEZ. James Davis, Manheim director of CVs, says more surprising is the fact that London exceeded the national average with 37% of vans (almost 85,000) not meeting the emission standards.
“I would encourage dealers to source vans now as there will likely be a large number of drivers wanting to avoid paying the £100 daily charge for entering the LEZ.
“De-leet volumes are reducing right across our network, and online activity has increased signiicantly with the average number of log-ons regularly exceeding 150 buyers per auction. Combined with physical attendees, some sales are seeing in excess of 350 buyers vying for a diminishing volume of stock,” he says.
Shortage of vehicles
This situation could well drive up used van prices as a spike in demand for threeto ive-year-old vans could result in a shortage of vehicles. “This situation is not likely to get any better in the foreseeable future as the effect of the near 40% fall in new registrations in 2008 begins to be felt in the used market,” says Davis.
“With up to 85,000 vans likely to be affected by the LEZ changes, having the right stock to meet that demand should be an absolute priority.”
The changes to the LEZ will require larger vans to meet Euro-3 emission standards (most vehicles registered after 1 January 2002) in order to be driven within the LEZ without paying a daily charge. ■