Fleets looking to dispose of hybrid models at auction need to ensure they are offering late-plate models with low mileage to ensure decent prices.

While the number of hybrid models seen through the auction halls remains small, those models that do come through will attract strong bidding – as long as they are the right model.

However, used buyers’ suspicion of the extra technology involved with petrol-electric hybrid models means that they will only buy late-plate models with low mileage.

Mike Pilkington, managing director of Manheim Auctions and Remarketing, said: “The technology is still relatively new and therefore is an unknown quantity further into the vehicle’s life – this undoubtedly has an effect on buyer confidence.”

He reports strong demand from the franchised networks, who generally understand the product best.

Recent prices achieved at Manheim include £9,200 for a 2007 07-plate Honda Civic IMA with 26,000 miles which sold for £9,200 – around half its cost new, and a 2007 57-plate Lexus RX400h with 32,000 miles which went for £20,200 – again around half its cost new.

BCA’s communications director Tony Gannon agreed, adding: “There is a rarity value attached to the best examples which can see values soar, particularly when they are offered in the right part of the country.

“The key issue is acceptability with the general public, because they will drive used demand.

"The general rule of thumb is that where fleets go, the public follow, and fleets are going very heavily with diesel.”

Anyalsis of BCA’s online Auction View stock locator on one day found just 18 alternatively-fuelled vehicles listed out of a total of 11,500 consigned for sale – less than 0.01%.

The trend of strong prices for hybrid stock was noticed last year, with prices for the right stock remaining high (Fleet News, October 30, 2008).