Average values in the fleet sector have increased by 2.5% (£157 to £6,427) in March, with strong performances for the Large Family segment and Coupes, according to the latest figures from Manheim.

It reports that Large Family vehicles increased 4.9% (£244 to £5,179) and Coupes increased 4.0% (£385 to £10,023). Overall average wholesale values were up 2.9% (£206 to £7,236) when compared with February and up 2.0% (£141) when compared with the same period last year.

Other increases in March in the fleet sector include Medium Family up 2.1% (£124 to £5,909), Compact Executives up 2.3% (£188 to £8,502) and MPVs up 1.6% (£111 to £7,265).

Volumes in the fleet sector remain stable for most vehicle segments except Small Hatchbacks which has gone from 14% in March 2011 to 17% this year. The average value of Small Hatchbacks has also increased it the past 12 months, up 5.0% (£221 to £4,647).

Daren Wiseman, valuation services general manager, Manheim Auctions, said: “Although fleet values performed well through March this was mainly due to the shortage of stock in the first couple of weeks of the month.

“Convertibles have continued to grow in demand with some outstanding values achieved however we have noted an increase in volumes through the last weeks of the month and we expect this, combined with the Easter weekend break to begin to put pressure on pricing.”