The average used van sale price at vehicle auction company Manheim rose 7.3% year-on-year in May to £5,040.

Sold volumes rose 1.9% from May 2016 and were up 10.4% from April, which resulted in a slight month-on-month softening in average selling price of 2.2%.

Matthew Davock, head of LCV at Manheim, said: “Overall performance in May was much more consistent than April, which was heavily impacted by Bank Holidays.

"The commercial vehicle market showed particular strength in the second half of the month.”

Vans sold at Manheim in May were four months younger than the same month in 2016, with an average age of 63 months.

Average mileage was down 3.6% year-on-year to 77,431. However, this was the highest average mileage figure recorded so far in 2017 having risen every month since January.

Davock added: “Vans with high mileage and high incidences of damage continue to dominate sales.

"Our analysis shows average damage recorded across all units of £834, a 17% year-on-year increase. Some vendors are seeing average damage per van in excess of £1,500.

"Vendors whose reserve pricing reflects these crucial factors are rewarded with buyer loyalty and market-leading performances.

"Buyer feedback received in May was mixed. April and early May were both slow from a retail activity perspective and proved to be the toughest months of the year. We saw a mixed buyer mood at our auctions, both in lane and online.”

Davock added: “The signs in the marketplace are positive. As we enter June, the supply of de-fleeted vans will remain low and there will be no bank holiday disruptions. We have a full month of both auction events and retail selling days which will drive strong activity in the overall market place.”

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