FLEETS will have to make sure their vans are in top condition when they are remarketed, or face not being able to sell them.

According to commercial vehicle experts at Glass’s, over recent months independent LCV dealers have become far more selective in the type and quality of used vehicles they take into stock.

Analysts say this is because of an increase in the number of used vans on offer, as well stiff competition from manufacturer used vehicle schemes where only higher quality stock is presented.

George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s said: ‘Some popular vans from Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Ford, Fiat and a number of others are now returning from contract in significant volumes, and these numbers will grow.

‘Hopefully, the strength of the used market will hold up over the summer and these vans will sell at the first time of asking. It’s not an attractive prospect to go into the autumn with surplus late-year stock.’

Not helping the situation is a patchy period over the past couple of months, with sales levels difficult to predict. There were weeks when sales hit record levels followed by dead calm.

Currently, the lighter end of the van market is the liveliest, with the offerings such as Peugeot 206, Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta performing well.

Alexander added: ‘The panel van sector is less buoyant. In this highly competitive sector, the message is clear – if each van is properly presented and priced to sell, then customers will be found.’