The reason for this is simple – if used values are strong then the benefit this brings to wholelife costs will translate into lower lease rental rates for the comparable new van.

As rental agreements account for around 75% or more of all panel LCVs sold, the stakes are high with those manufacturers who fail to improve residual values.

George Alexander, Glass’s Guide to Commercial Vehicles commercial vehicle editor, says: “To improve the prospects for any used light commercial vehicle, the strategies to adopt will basically fall into to just two categories – those that are transparent on the vehicle and are there for all to see or experience and those that are less obvious yet of possibly greater importance over the long term.

“It is now expected that all vans will have easy load access.

“Ford’s fold-down roof rack and the extended load length offered beneath the passenger seat are further examples of manufacturers having to run faster to stand still.

“What were once extras are now often fitted as standard, at least on premium products, such as tinted glass, electric windows, air-con, reversing sensors, ABS, traction control, but never metallic paint.

"Even offers of free sat-nav packages are commonplace yet these rarely add significantly to the residual value, although they will undoubtedly improve its sales prospects.”

Alexander reckons the most beneficial action that any manufacturer can take is to improve the fuel economy of any new model over its predecessor.

With the three big costs of running any commercial vehicle being drivers’ wages, depreciation and fuel costs, any saving to the latter will translate into additional profit.

He says: “Behind the scenes, all the marques strive to create brand loyalty yet this is a big task when businesses remain under the cosh, with the only way a manufacturer can achieve this goal is to do what never comes naturally to them – think long term.

“They need to invest in their dealer networks, both coverage and quality of service offered, to include extended opening hours and to squeeze service and parts costs to a minimum.

“They also need to offer finance and service packages (to include roadside repair/recovery) in order to make life easier for their business customers.

“Over a period of perhaps five years, reputations become established with loyalty being engendered.

Conversely, strong brand images can be squandered overnight by not offering the highest service standards.”