Demand for ex-fleet used vehicles has picked up significantly in the first two months of the year and looks set to continue through the first half of 2015, according to Andy Brown, managing director of CD Fleet Services.

Professional trade buyers are back in the market and, while still cautious about condition, have increased their bidding activity ahead of expectations.

CD Fleet Services has seen a substantial increase in registered buyers on its auction site, Cars Direct, leading to extra competition for popular vehicles and an increase in the number of vehicles sold, said Brown.

“We have significantly increased activity in both January and February and demand for ex-fleet vehicles has been strong,” continued Brown.

“New fleet car registrations have jumped in the first two months of 2015, suggesting more defleet activity than originally anticipated. This just adds to the excitement around the sales.

“The good news is: numbers are up, but not by enough to destabilise values. There is still plenty of demand from both franchised and independent retailers.

“Fleet operators should make sure they stand out from the crowd and avoid getting mixed up with part-ex cars by using a fleet only remarketing specialist, such as CD Fleet Services,” he added.

Early reports suggest new car registrations in the March plate-change will hit near record levels, leading to more part-exchange vehicles coming back into franchised dealer stock. However many of these cars will be poor quality and will find their way to general auction.

“Franchised dealers and quality independents will still be needing good ex-fleet stock after the end of March,” added Brown.

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