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UK trade frustrated with van stock shortages

The UK auto trade is frustrated with van stock shortages, price rises and zero margin, according to UK auto trade valuations business MyCarCheck.com/Trade. It regularly highlights the most significant trends in the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market based on cutting-edge industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers.

MyCarCheck.com/Trade’s LCV expert, David Hill, commented: “September finished as predicted: with stock in short supply, prices rising and the trade more frustrated with the market than I’ve seen in a long time. Trade buyers having to give all the money for stock is one thing, but dealers can’t just put the extra onto the retail price as customers will shop around to save £50 at present. To complicate matters further, auction houses are seeing a rise in the number of ‘retail punters’ fighting with the trade to buy stock.

“At this time of year a lot of ex-Ministry of Defence stock comes into the market. If it comes via the leasing industry it is usually straightforward to register, but if you have to go via the DVLA at Swansea then this can take time.

“In terms of small vans, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta are good news. As always, the better the specification the easier it will be to sell. Colour isn’t such an issue in this sector as retailers report that preferences vary for vans of this size. Renault Kangoo stock is drying up now so values will start to firm up. The same goes for Citroën Berlingo and stable mate Peugeot Partner. When it comes to Volkswagen Caddy, we are seeing the gap between the 69ps engine and the 104ps unit getting bigger. Even the retail man is looking for the higher Bhp.

“We saw the first Mercedes Benz Citan models come to market in September and values were as expected. Mercedes Benz Vito if straight and with tidy paintwork will sell even with starship miles on them. Volkswagen Transporter is the same; people are not frightened of the miles providing everything else is in order.

“Ford Transit short wheelbase models are thin on the ground at the moment, so expect to pay more – even low mileage ones with damage are selling. Vauxhall Movano and Renault Masters are still good news, along with Fiat Ducato and their partners Citroën Relay.

“Mercedes Benz Sprinter is still finding homes and at big money too. Short wheelbase and flat roof Medium wheelbase variants are almost nonexistent in the used marketplace. With the deal between Mercedes Benz and Volkswagen officially finishing in 2016, we have two new models to look forward to in the coming years.

“Chassis cab product is still good news, with even older Luton derivatives getting buyers fighting over them. Curtainsiders are a rare thing so they demand premium prices. Standard cab Tippers and Dropside variants are also more appealing. If you’re buying a double cab then check that the seats are still in it – a lot of users now board them out to make secure toolboxes.

“With the summer behind us, expect the 4×4 market to pick up. All models are seeing an increase in interest that, along with the export activity and shortage of stock, makes you wonder why leasing and disposal companies don’t hold on to 4×4 stock until this time of year.”

MyCarCheck.com/Trade provides buyers and sellers with all the vehicle price data they need: ready to retail, trade, average, retail and Cat D. As a free bonus, it also provides the annual road tax cost and key DVLA information, including the make, model, colour, engine size, body style, fuel type and date of registration.