Based on industry data and feedback from independent and franchised dealers, the report highlights the most significant trends in the UK LCV market.
Trade’s LCV expert David Hill commented: ‘The August market was slow, but not as bad as some had predicted. Stock levels have remained steady over recent weeks and the expected fresh stock from the new registration plate in September will soon be snapped up.
‘In terms of small vans, there have been some especially nice Vauxhall Corsa models coming from the telecoms industry. These have enjoyed a good following for many years and even the old shape ones are very popular. Peugeot 207 vans, petrol or diesel, are rare but always in demand. Renault Kangoo vans are about in volume but values are still hanging on because the older models still represent great value for money.
‘The same can be said of Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo – these are still finding buyers despite plenty of volume. Volkswagen Caddy values are steady on 104ps models. The 69ps models can be a bit hit and miss, depending on mileage, condition and specification, but the new model 75ps variants have no trouble finding buyers.
‘There’s plenty of interest for Mercedes Benz Vito and similar sized vans. As always, mileage is critical – a low mileage example will make trade or even ready-to-retail (RTR) values, but if they’re a bit battered with high miles then only the export market will look at them.
‘There’s been a little run of Toyota HiAce vans in the market recently and these have mostly been swallowed up by the trade as they are great news for retail.
‘VW Transporter is also still great news for dealers – they will always find a buyer. Larger vans such as the Ford Transit Jumbo are also good news but VW Crafter can be harder to shift – we have dropped later plate values on Crafter by 5% this month as we have seen quite a few around and buyers will only bid so far.
‘In the last month we have seen older model Renault Master vans generating plenty of interest and, along with its stable-mate, Vauxhall Movano, it reaches values not far behind those of the Ford Transit.
‘As we move towards autumn the 4×4 market is picking up. Again it’s all about specification and colour. We have seen single cab pick-ups sell for RTR values. Land Rover Defender or Discovery commercials are always highly sought after, ensuring values remain steady.’