VOLVO has launched its XC90 into the used car market for the first time at a dealer closed auction hosted by the Fleet Auction Group (FLAG).

Two SE D5 automatic models were entered, both January '03 registered with low mileage, and they attracted bids of £39,500 and £40,000, both well in excess of the list price, due to the long waiting list for new cars.

Ruth Griffin, Volvo Car UK used car manager, said: 'This gives the Volvo XC90 the strongest residual in its class and probably of any current volume production car, which will make it highly attractive on management user-chooser lists for fleet operators.'

The company had not used the auction channel for some years and, according to Griffin, it was FLAG that persuaded her to try auctions as a remarketing route again. Volvo Car UK managing director Hugh Reid opened the sale by auctioning the first car through the halls.

More than 90% of Volvo's UK dealer network was represented, bidding for the 114 vehicles on offer.