BCA’s Duncan Ward has welcomed news that LCV emissions data will be published next year and suggests this information is going to be crucial in the used LCV market going forward.

Mr Ward commented: “We believe the ‘economy factor’ will be increasingly important in used commercial sales, potentially overtaking performance as a key selling point.

“Professional Buyers at auction have for many years favoured the higher horsepower van variants over the more sedate models.

“This may well change in the future, particularly if fuel prices remain high.

“One of the most obvious indicators of this in the current market is the resurgence of dual-fuel vehicles (petrol/LPG).

“Values on the few available have been firm – particularly in the south and Home Counties – but it’s fair to say there has been a step-change in demand in the last three months.

“Where the car market goes, the van market inevitably follows and the current focus on more affordable and environmentally-aware motoring will filter down to the LCV market quite rapidly.

“That’s without considering the simple economic implications of the £5 gallon of diesel – if a small haulier can get 40 mpg rather than 30 surely that is a benefit worth
considering and paying a premium for in the used market.”