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All shapes and sizes
Page 68
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After a slow start, it turned out to be a good year for Man helm Auctions but the company is not about to become complacent.
It's certainly been a good year for Manheim Auctions. With no less than 4,000 heavy commercial vehicles going under the hammer, conversion rates averaging 64.2% and turnover up by 20% it's about now that complacency might set in.
National HGV and plant manager Jeremy Martell is having none of it. "The first quarter is always slow but we have taken measures to avoid that," he says, highlighting 90 tractors that will arrive early in the new year.
In the first quarter of 2003 volume was down at Manheim . A change of tack in targeting potential buyers, and impressive results through its contracted customers and finance houses, helped turn the business round in the second quarter. leading to a 10% increase in turnover by August. In December alone more than 370 trucks have been sold.
The vehicles sold have been all shapes and sizes but Martell high lights a strong demand for trucks fitted with cranes, especially HiaL and Palfinger:"The 7.5-18-tonne rigid has been popular this year, regardless of age — although late year products will always make strong money"
District councils
Utility vehicles have also been in demand this year and that has attracted a new type of customer:district councils. Instead oi sourcing new, four have bought second-hand. "It's good news for the council as they spend less on buying vehicles and for us the tax payer," says Martell. Whether thi reduces our council tax remains tl be seen but it's a sensible approach to vehicle acquisition.
Manheim's buzzword for 2004 is expansion.As well as extra space at Colchester, the Gloucester site will be upgraded in a I:2m project which includes land purchase and renovation of the existing site. •