A STATE-of-the art vehicle appraisal system for van fleets will be launched by Manheim Auctions and KAH Systems next year.

The CV-specific software is being developed following the success of a similar damage estimating system in the car industry. Using Windows Pocket PC handheld computers the operator can key in details of vehicle damage and the system will automatically adjust the residual value and include the exact cost of refurbishment.

Alex Wright, group commercial vehicle manager at Manheim Auctions, said: 'Vans can often have a hard life, which can lead to a high degree of wear and tear. Vehicles during de-fleet can be fully appraised for the commercial market and precise, detailed descriptions provided, which are crucial to the remarketing of a vehicle. Accurate descriptions are essential to achieving high residual values.'