7:53 am, June 11, 2013
LIGHT commercial vehicle values in May fell back from the record levels reached in April, according to BCA’s latest Pulse report.
While May’s value faltered, the month still recorded the second highest average monthly value since Pulse began reporting in 2005.
The average May figure of £4,870 for all LCVs represented a fall of £128 (2.5 per cent) compared to April.
Average age fell back to just under 58 months, although average mileage increased slightly during May. Both fleet and lease and dealer part-exchange sectors saw values decline from the previous highpoints recorded in April.
Year-on-year, May 2013 was ahead by exactly £500 or 11.4 per cent, with both age and mileage rising over the period.
BCA’s Duncan Ward said: ‘Although values declined by around 2.5 per cent across the board, demand remains strong across the range of used light commercials at BCA.
‘Even so, buyers are sensitive to mileage and condition, and excessive mileage or damage will significantly impact the price performance.
‘The best prices are paid for vans in good colours with a high specification and any rare or unusual vehicles will generate the most attention.’
He added: ‘After many months of strong value growth, where is the market going in quarter three and quarter four of this year? Many have suggested that prices simply cannot continue rising and they may level off.
‘With the first decline in average values seen this year, now would be a good time for volume sellers to review their selling strategies and make sure they are fully in tune with market sentiment.’
