Fleet stock will be in “hot demand” over the coming months, with the wholesale market having already hit “superheated” levels in September, according to Manheim.
Driven by unseasonably low September stock, first-time conversion rates hit 87% at Manheim last month. Figures published by Cox Automotive show that most cars achieved or exceeded the guide price, with the average price up 0.8% month-on-month to £9,745, despite an increase in average mileage.
Philip Nothard, customer insight and strategy director – cars, said: “A number of factors have combined to reduce the level of stock in the wholesale market throughout August and September. Low new-car sales, long lead-times, and scrappage schemes from some manufacturers have reduced part-exchange volumes, and dealers are choosing to retail those that they take in directly.
“This, combined with the usual seasonal reduction in the number of de-fleet vehicles at auction, had led to a superheated wholesale market in September.”
Nothard continued: “With uncertainty around Brexit, and the impending introduction of CAFE targets, manufacturers in the UK market are facing a perfect storm at present.
“This naturally has a knock-on effect on used vehicle supply, but retailers are reporting reasonable levels of demand for the right cars and fleet stock is set to be in hot demand over the months ahead.”
The data from Manheim also revealed a dip in fuel prices for all fleet categories except electric when compared to the same month last year.
The year-on-year figures show average diesel values fell 14.3% to £6,945 while petrol were down 8.7% to £4,354. However, the biggest fall was seen in hybrids, down 15.3% to £12,511. In contrast, battery electric vehicle values were up 34.1% to £12,099.
Manheim added that the figures indicate an uplift in demand for electric vehicles, but also noted that the relatively low volume of electric vehicles when compared to other fuel types means that higher percentage swings are likely.
