The majority of independent second-hand car dealers saw a bump in retail in May, according to CAP Automotive.

Measured by CAP’s survey of 104 such dealers, 61 said sales had increased compared to April while 33 reported no change. CAP also reported sales were "significantly ahead" compared to May 2012.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

So far this year, CAP’s monthly survey has reported a frustration in the used market, which the vehicle valuation firm attributed to manufacturers’ focus on the new motor market and its concomitant finance offers.

Non-cash injection

According to the latest figures from the Finance & Leasing Association, the penetration rate of finance at dealerships in the new market has now reached 73.2% and Mike Hind, communications manager at CAP, said manufacturers’ offers in the new market were "the most attractive new car deals anyone at CAP has seen since our business started in 1979."

However, the mood among independent used dealers also appears to have risen, with 87 respondents marking the current business climate as ‘stable’, ‘good’ or ‘very good’, and only three respondents expecting a decline in trading conditions.

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.

Part of this may lie in the rise of attractive finance in the used sector. Experian Automotive, the motoring arm of the credit reference agency, told Motor Finance PCP and HP finance on used cars in Q1 2013 was up 70% and 30%, respectively, on the same period of 2012.

Further analysis and data from the Experian Automotive Motor Finance Index will be published in the July issue of Motor Financemagazine.