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BCA trips the light van-tastic

28th October 2004
Page 69
Page 69, 28th October 2004 — BCA trips the light van-tastic
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Many auctioneers found September a little slow for truck sales, but the light commercial market has gone from strength to strength.

British Car Auctions saw "records tumble" at sales across the country says Duncan Ward, UK business development manager for commercial vehicles. Huge crowds were reported at Belle Vue and Blackbushe; both establishing new benchmarks for sales last month.

-Corporate vendors have enjoyed strong support from buyers and conversion rates have been high in this sector," he reports. "Trade buyers and owner-drivers have been competing strongly for stock, underlining the fact that there is still a lot of confidence in the small business sector despite the interest rate rises over recent months."

Buyers are willing to pay well for clean light commercials with low mileage. "The ownerdriver is financially astute enough to recognise a great deal on a van that has already taken the first slug of depreciation," says Ward, "The trade are eager because these vans represent a first-rate profit opportunity, providing the condition fits the age and mileage."

It seems there are opportunities across the board— body type does not seem to be an issue.

Luton and boxvans are in demand in the run-up to Christmas for the wholesale and retail delivery markets. But Ward adds: "Dropsides and tippers also remain strong, with nontrade buyers such as self-employed builders and decorators being noticeably active here.

"There is a serious shortage of hatchbacks, and well-presented examples command premium values when offered at auction."

One 1997 R-regVolkswagenTran.sporter 1200 van made 170% against CAP's recommended retail price while a three-year-old Vauxhall Astra Envoy went for 147% against CAP

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