Retail demand for used vehicles is stronger now than at any other time since last autumn, according to new research from CAP Automotive. A study for CAP Black Book Live _ which tracks market prices in real time - revealed a number of encouraging market indicators since the turn of the New Year, which suggest that activity for good quality used car stock is once again on the rise. These positive market indicators include the mood and increased buying activity at used car and remarketed fleet auctions through to consumer retail demand on the dealership forecourts. Despite encouraging market activity, dealers are still reporting difficulties in sourcing acceptable used car stock for retail, due in no small part to the reduction in new car registrations in recent years. This issue may become an even bigger problem with a worrying number of poorly-conditioned vehicles with high mileage continuing to reach the market. As a result, the shortage of 'prime' second hand retail stock is resulting in forecourts being only around 80 per cent full. Derren Martin, senior editor for CAP Black Book Live, said: "We are seeing what we describe as a good 'buzz' around the auction halls, with plenty of appetite from dealers for the best quality stock _ when they can find it. "Some auction sales have seen conversion rates up to 20 per cent better than during the same period last year and the dealers we speak to are generally happy with the level of retail interest they are seeing. "We keep a close watch on the market every day and there have been some signs that increased short term rental business for some model ranges is starting to bring higher volumes into the marketplace. When that happens, prices tend to reduce but at the moment stability is the watchword in the current trade market." Here at IT Fleet Automotive we take great pride in the part we've played in helping to bring vehicle remarketing into the 21st Century. Our purpose-built complex hosts an attractive selection of twice-weekly fleet car auctions ideal for dealers looking for top quality, fully valeted and restored used car stock.
