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Demand outstrips supply
Page 70
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A large number of buyers chasing limited stock are helping to keep prices strong, according to Man heim Auctions' sales director Alex Wright.
Buyers have continued to turn out in force in the first quarter of 2007. But they are chasing limited stock, thanks to a shortage of late-registration ex-fleet vehicles.The used market is currently experiencing the knock-on effect of the introduction of the Euro-4 emissions standard in October 2006.
Operators have either held on to their Euro-3 vehicles or have brought forward their early 2007 disposals, prior to the introduction of Euro-4. Rental companies expected to have their Euro-3 vehicles returned in early 2007 but this has not happened,leaving the auction halls relatively bare.
Strong prices A short supply in the halls has led to strong prices across all vehicle types and ages. Stars of the 7.5tonne sector are tippers and dropsides, both of which are fetching approximately £1,000 more at auction than this time last year.At a recent sale, a 2001 Iveco Dropside sold for £7,000.
This trend is mirrored in the 18-tonne market. Late models are in such short supply that a 2002 Mercedes-Benz Atego 1823 box recently went under the hammer for £12,000— a £2,000 leap on last year's prices. And in the 26 to 32tonne multi-axle market,demand again outstrips supply; all models are keenly contested, and making strong prices.
A 2000 Mercedes-Benz Atego 2628 6x4 dropside with crane sold for £26,500 at a recent auction; even 10-year-old models are in demand. For instance, Daf tippers can command £10,000-12,000.
Tractors are also proving hard to come by.A 2002 Daf CF85 430 Spacecab 4x2 unit sold for £13,000, an increase of nearly 30% on the same vehicle last year. Other models in demand include late Daf XF95 430 6x2 and Scania R124.420 6x2 units.
Meanwhile, in the trailer market, curtainsiders are in plentiful supply, and this is holding prices stable.There are plenty of buyers for barn-door trailers, but supply is limited, so units with roller shutters are being snapped up as an alternative.A 2000 model with roller shutters can expect to sell for £11.000-£12,000.
Strong bids The shortage of late-registration vehicles is likely to remain until late summer, when fleet buyers will have to start looking at replacing their vehicles. Older and more unusual vehicles continue to attract strong bids:a 12-year-old access platform on a Unimog chassis recently went for £20,000 and a 17-year-old Foden 8x4 hook-loader made more than £5,000.
Buyers from the Continent continue to populate the auction halls, increasing the demand for dwindling UK stocks.We have seen an influx of buyers from Eastern Europe since the start of the year, plus high demand from traditional markets such as Southern Europe and Africa.
The shortage of late-reg vehicles is likely to remain until late summer, especially for tippers due to seasonal demand from the UK construction industry. Customers in this market will be facing strong competition from overseas buyers, notably from Eastern Europe, where these vehicles are increasingly popular. •