Results of the first batch of auction sales of the new year have shown record attendances and higher than expected sale values.

The news will be welcomed by the industry, which has been struggling with the massive depreciation of its vehicle assets during 2008.BCA reported huge interest at its first auctions of the year, thanks in part to its Fast Start initiative.

All its centres reported higher than expected attendances.

Meanwhile Wilsons Auctions in Dalry reported exceptional results at its ‘Fleet 2009’ sale.

During the first fleet sale of 2009, it had a record number of entries and “an unprecedented turnout” of buyers.

Vendors included RCI Financial Services, Renault UK, Jaguar Privilege, Land Rover Financial Services, Nissan GB, Peugeot and Halifax Bank of Scotland.

In addition Lombard and Royal Bank of Scotland introduced vehicles for the first time.

The following day’s sale at Portadown smashed all previous records in relation to volumes sold and buyer attendance.

Record attendances were also seen at, BCA, which sold nearly 13,000 vehicles with conversion rates running in excess of 80% in its first sales of the year.

Conversions are ahead significantly, year-on-year, and average values have crept up from December at £4,895, but remain around £550 behind 2008 figures over a similar period.

“BCA’s Fast Start campaign has produced some outstanding results, typified by incremental sales for Lex and BMW that recorded 100% sell outs and sales for LeasePlan, Audi and Ford that converted up to 96%.

"But this is not out of the blue, as there were signs of improvement late in 2008,” said BCA managing director Andrew Hulme.

“We saw a stabilising of the market in the second half of November, and a firming of demand in the £2,000 to £5,000 price sector.

"Sellers realised that it was imperative to sell their stock.”

Mr Hulme added words of caution, however, saying “The first few days of the New Year are like a honeymoon period and we all know they don’t last forever.”