The average used van sale price was up 1.8% (£55) in May compared with April, according to Manheim’s latest monthly Van Market Analysis. 

At £3,125, this is the fifth consecutive monthly increase in average wholesale used van prices following the rise of 5.5% in January, 1.8% in February, 3.6% in March and 8.7% in April. 

Although the underlying trend is for a continuing strengthening of values, when compared with 12 months ago, average wholesale used van prices are still down by 5.4% (£177). 

Average age is four months lower at 52 months and average mileage 4,849 miles lower at 66,710. 

Examples of the increases in average month-on-month values in May for vehicles more than two years old included car-derived vans up by 9.9% (£178) to £1,978, panel vans over 3.0t up by 5.5% (£146) to £2,785, and 4x4s up by 5.8% (£300) to £5,493. 

In contrast, the falls in average month-on-month values in May included small panel vans down 1.3% (£45) to £3,348, panel vans below 3.0t down by 9.2% (£265) to £2,624 and tippers down by 6.8% (£226) to £3,116. 

Commenting on the May report, Alex Wright, sales director, commercial vehicles, said: “The recovery in wholesale used van prices in 2009 is slow but steady. The increase confirms the continued strength of the recovery in wholesale used van prices at a time when prices would be expected to fall in line with seasonal norms. 

“As we enter summer, I believe that values will now begin to stabilise but there may still be some upward price movement in specific segments.”