The used car market recovered strongly from
April’s downturn, with average values improving by almost 9% across
the board in May, according to British Car Auctions (BCA).
 

Fleet values reached a new high, averaging nearly £8,000 as BCA
sold a slightly richer mix of cars during the month. 

Month-on-month values improved in all three main market sectors
in a complete reverse of last month’s figures. Fleet and lease
car values increased by 3.8% month-on-month to £7,934 – the highest
average monthly value recorded since BCA began reporting in
2005. Part exchange values rose by £35 to £2,847, up 1.2%,
while nearly new values increased by over £2,500 to £20,470 – due
to changing model mix in a low-volume sector, as well as BCA’s
special sales.

Across the board, values improved from £5,599 to £6,098,
reversing two months of declines and returning to an average value
broadly similar to those available between November 2011 and
February of this year. 

Used cars averaged 95.4% of CAP Clean in May, up by nearly a
point compared to April, while average age and mileage dropped
slightly over the month, down to 62.5 months and 59,600
miles.  

Year-on-year, May 2012 was 5.3% ahead of 2011, while average age
and mileage have climbed by 0.6% and 1.7% respectively in the same
period. However BCA’s values contrast with Manheim Remarketing data
published yesterday by motorfinaceonline, which reported that

dealer part exchange
and
fleet values
fell year-on-year in May.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

BCA’ communications director Tony Gannon said: “While May posted
significantly improved figures compared to April, the market is now
moving into a period over the summer months where we expect values
to remain relatively flat.

“Families are now thinking about paying for their summer
holidays, and while the Diamond Jubilee is now behind us, we still
have the distractions of the London Olympics and Euro 2012 to
come. History tells us these types of events have short-term
effects on the retail sector and therefore impact on demand in the
wholesale car market.”

 

Year-on-year – All cars

All cars

Ave.
age           

Ave.
mileage      

Ave.
value
         

Sale vs CAP

May 2011

60.22

58,732

£5,790

94.58%

May 2012

62.58 (+0.6%)

59,640 (+1.7%)

£6,098 (+5.3%)

95.47% ↑

 

Year-on-year – Fleet and lease

Fleet/lease

Ave.
age           

Ave.
mileage     

Ave. value

Sale vs CAP

May 2011

40.59

49,652

£7,349

94.27%

May 2012

40.95 (+0.8%)

49,384 (-0.5%)

£7,934 (+7.9%)

95.73% ↑

Performance against original MRP (Manufacturers Retail Price)
was level month-on-month at 39.6%. 

 

Year-on-year table – Part exchange

Part exchange

Ave.
age   

  Ave.
mileage

Ave. value

Sale vs CAP

May 2011

88.41  

  74,121

£2,746

91.23%

May 2012

88.93   (+0.6%)

  74,778  (+0.8%)

£2,847 (+3.6%)

90.43%↓

Values compared to CAP Clean improved by 1.2 points to 90.43%,
while average age remained static and average mileage increased
slightly. Year-on-year, values were ahead by 3.6%, despite
both age and mileage increasing over the period.

 

Nearly new

Nearly
new   

   Ave.
age   

Ave.
mileage    

Ave.
value        

Sale vs CAP

May 12

8.30

8,441

£20,470

102.13% ↑

Average performance against CAP Clean improved by almost two
points to 102.13%.