Data just released from BCA shows that average values for fleet, lease and part-exchange commercial values fell in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Fleet values dropped by nearly £500 over the period, while part-exchange values were more than £800 down on the September 2007 figures.

Monthly fleet values averaged around or above £4,000 throughout the spring, summer and early autumn of 2007, but fell in December to around £3,550.

The decline coincided with greater volumes being available from fleet and lease sources for remarketing, with much stock being in just average condition.

In addition, by December 2007 average mileage had crept up to more than 73,000 – some 4,000 miles higher than that recorded in August.

“While these price falls look dramatic, they must be taken in the context of 2007 being one of the strongest light commercial markets we have seen in a long time,” said BCA’s UK business development manager of commercial vehicles, Duncan Ward.

“Add in the traditional seasonal slowdown to the mix and we can see that while prices have fallen, the market enjoyed an extremely busy end of the year.”