Latest figures from Manheim’s monthly Market Analysis show relative calm in the defleet sector, with prices falling just £14 (0.2%) between July and August 2014. This follows a marginal fall of £103 in the previous month.

Average age and mileage also remain relatively consistent, with an increase of just 136 miles (from 60,011 to 60,147) month-on-month, while defleet vehicles were, on average, one month younger in August at 51 months.

The picture for the year-on-year figures also remains steady, with a 4.6% growth in values between August 2013 and August 2014 (£6,939 to £7,260) following on from a 4% growth in July.

Reflective of overall consumer confidence and the rising GDP, the increased selling prices in 2014 show how the economy has moved on over the past 12 months.

Valuation services manager at Manheim Auctions, Daren Wiseman, said: “While values have continued to fall marginally over the typically quieter summer months, the bigger picture has been positive.

“Indeed, average values of defleet stock have been higher this year than in 2013, despite a corresponding increase in both age and mileage.

“However, with another record-breaking plate change on the horizon, the market does need to take caution.

“The flood of defleet stock into the marketplace over the past three years, coupled with the looming interest rate rise and the influx of good quality part-ex stock that will be available after this month, means that fleet vendors will need to align their expectations with market conditions.”

He continued: “While we do expect a strong autumn for the defleet sector – certainly performing better than 2013; the overall increase in volumes of nearly new stock into the marketplace will have an impact on values.

“Those lower spec, high mileage ex-fleet vehicles will need to be priced accordingly in order to realise the quickest return.”

Looking at Manheim’s figures in more detail, eight of the ten segments analysed saw an increase in values month-on-month; while both supermini and small hatchback models bucked the trend, falling £498 and £152 respectively. Coupes and 4x4s both performed much better than the same month in 2013, with year-on-year increases of £697 and £1,204.

Wiseman concluded: “Buying patterns have shifted over the past couple of years, with the dealers that have storage flexibility seeking out bargain 4x4s in the summer and convertibles in late winter.

“While there is a balance to be struck between keeping stock around and realising the best prices, it is clear that buyers are able to make use of the more detailed market intelligence available in order to develop sophisticated stocking strategies in line with their individual demand requirements.” 
 

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