Values in the fleet sector rose to a seven-month high in January, fuelled by a drop in the average age and mileage of vehicles, according to Manheim’s latest Market Analysis.

The new year has seen ex-fleet prices rise to £7,358, an increase of £665 (or 9.9%) compared to December 2014 and the highest average value since June last year.

Data from the report shows that the increase in value corresponds with a drop in average age, from 53 months in December 2014 to the current figure of 48 months.

In conjunction with this decline in age, average mileage also decreased by 1,899 to 59,575.

January saw prices increase across all 10 sectors covered in the report.

A notable appreciation of value is seen with 4x4s, with average prices increasing from £13,458 to £14,097.

This could be due to the usual seasonal trend of buyers snapping up the hardy, winter-ready vehicles as the cold weather continues to bite.

Daren Wiseman, valuation services manager at Manheim, said: “January’s monthly report on the defleet sector shows that the market remains largely buoyant.

“January has certainly been a strong performing month for the majority of the sector, which is evidenced by the value increase in all 10 segments analysed in the monthly report.

“Post Christmas is always a busy time for the defleet sector and this year is no different."