Insight

LCV Used Marketplace update – December 2019

Andy Picton | 16 Dec 2019

About the author

Andy Picton

Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor

Having worked previously for Barclays Asset Finance and LeasePlan in the commercial vehicle sector, Andy joined Glass’s in 2002 as part of the Commercial Vehicle team working closely with manufacturers, leasing and insurance companies, traders, dealers and auction houses. He was promoted to Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor in 2016 and manages our industry-leading team of valuation experts. He loves football, music and commercial vehicles.

The 26,238 Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) registered in November represented the third consecutive monthly decline, down 9.6% versus November 2018.

Breaking the month down by sectors reveals growth of 17.2% for Pickups whilst Vans under 2.0 tonnes, Vans between 2.0-2.5 tonnes and Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes declined by 24.0%, 19.4% and 11.4% respectively.

Economic uncertainty and the introduction of Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) at the beginning of September has continued to affect performance, with the market expected to remain subdued at least until the end of the year.

Top five LCV registrations

Top 5 LCV registrations in YTD 2019, October 2019 and October 2018

The LCV market remains just ahead of 2018, with year to date (YTD) registrations standing at 338,227 (331,776 – 2018 YTD). This equates to a 1.9% increase on the same period last year, with buyers continuing to seek out the cleanest vehicles and the best deals.

Used Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Auction Market Overview – November

November LCV wholesale market sales declined nearly 5.5% versus October. Driven by a lack of quality used stock and continuing economic and political uncertainty, most sectors recorded decreased sales over the previous month.

November sales are on average 5.5 months older than twelve months ago, at 71.2 months and also 5.5 months older than last month. However, average first-time conversion rates over the last 12 months improved 0.7% to 83.9%.

In November, average mileage stands at 78,141 miles, an increase of 3,422 miles on October and nearly 850 miles more than November 2018. With the increases in mileage and slightly increased vehicle age, the average sale price for the month decreased by over £175. November’s average sale price was more than £125 lower than at the same point last year.

Small Vans: 30.0% of overall sales

In this sector, sales decreased 10.5% in November, with the average sale price down £120 on October. Berlingo, Transit Connect, Caddy, Combo and Kangoo continue to perform positively, with rarer sights such as the Astravan, Corsavan, Clio van, Mini Clubvan, Kubistar and Ford KA van all finding new homes during the month.

The average mileage of sold small vans in November increased by over 1,325 miles and first time conversion rates increased 4.9% to 85.3%.

Medium Vans: 33.5% of overall sales

This popular sector saw a 6.0% decline in sales and a £350 fall in the average sales price. Across all ages, good levels of demand remain for Transporter, Transit Custom, Trafic, Vivaro and Dispatch, with growing demand for the latest generation Vito. In this sector, the tidiest crew vans continue to sell well.

The average mileage of medium vans sold in November increased by over 5,200 miles whilst first time conversion rates remained virtually static at 84.4%.

Large Vans: 21.1% of overall sales

This sector recorded a negligible 0.35% increase in sales, coupled to a £300 fall in the average sales price. The Transit and Sprinter have proved popular again this month, with sensibly priced Crafters growing in popularity. Buyers see Relay, Boxer, Ducato, Master and Movano as good value, whilst older Daily, Interstar, NV400, LT and even Convoy sold in line with condition and mileage.

The average mileage of sold large vans in November increased by nearly 3,500 miles with first time conversion rates remaining static at 83.4%. Average age increased from 70.9 months to 74.2 months.

4×4 Sector: 14.8% of overall sales

Sales of 4×4 Pickups remained on a par with last month, whilst average prices declined by over £200 on October. The L200, Navara, Ranger, Hilux and D-Max continue to achieve the lion’s share of sales, with those fitted with automatic transmissions in greatest demand. As with the other sectors, if priced sensibly, older 4x4s have caught the imagination and sold with ease.

Average mileage of those 4x4s sold increased by over 2,500 miles during November with first time conversion rates remaining stable at 81.0% (81.2% – October).

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