Rapid expansion of model variations in the car market is posing the risk of growing confusion for tomorrow's used car trade, according to car information experts CAP Automotive.
In the past three years, the number of new car derivatives offered for sale has grown from 2,584 to 2,984 - an increase of 15%.
This is dwarfed, however, by the range of choice resulting from motor manufacturers increasing the number of option and equipment ‘packs' over the same period by 187%.
It means the number of models which can be purchased with a pre-defined set of ‘extras' - known as a pack - has grown from 1,281 in 2010 to 3,682 in September this year.
The figures are revealed in CAP's New Vehicle Data database, which forms the backbone of many vehicle information systems across the web and automotive businesses.
CAP New Vehicle Data also reveals that there are now a staggering 369,257 possible combinations of vehicle options available in today's market, compared with 177,257 in 2010 - and the number is growing every day.
The sheer complexity of tomorrow's used car choice is illustrated by looking at the popular Mini, with 709 derivatives available as new cars today. The number of option combination permutations for a MINI now stands at a staggering 65,836.
Even a relative newcomer to the car market, such as the Vauxhall Adam, is already available in 72 versions and offers a possible 7,290 possible combinations of options.
The reason that increasing complexity in the future used car market matters is that confusion breeds caution in the trade. Dealers are likely to be ever more wary of making valuation mistakes when part-exchanging with customers, or buying at auction for stock.
Without a ‘fail safe' valuation system dealers risk under-valuing or over-valuing cars because they are uncertain of their features, according to CAP.
CAP operations director, Adrian Rushmore said: "The car market is becoming more dynamic every month as manufacturers seek to inspire their customers with the widest possible choice.
"But a look at our vast and growing database of model, derivative and equipment permutations reveals that the future is going to be ever more confusing for everyone.
"When you consider that there are now more than 65,000 possible combinations of options on a Mini alone, it's clear that expert assistance for trade and consumers alike will be more important in the coming years than ever before."
Carcoat Damphands - 05/11/2013 14:26
Manufacturers seem to be able to persuade CAP into giving out new CAP IDs for the different packs. For example, on the BMW website car configurator for the 3 Series it says there are "56 model variants" for the 3 Series Saloon. However, there are over 350 CAP IDs. Two thirds of these are for the Navigation packs.... an option which you have to select when you configure the vehicle... it is not a seperate vehicle and therefore in my eyes doesn't require a seperate CAP ID. Therefore, what are the rules for giving out CAP IDs?