Average wholesale used van prices have increased for the fifth month in a row, according to Manheim Auctions’ latest monthly market analysis.

“The scale and speed of price movement that has been witnessed over the past 18 months in the wholesale used van marketplace is unprecedented,” said Alex Wright, sales director for commercial vehicles at Manheim Auctions.

“Despite the economic environment, the used van marketplace has remained robust with average used van values having increased by almost 50% in the last 12 months, despite age and mileage being higher year-on-year.”

Used van prices increased by 0.3% (£11) to £3,694 in December compared to November’s figures and year-on-year they were up 46.3% (£1,170), with average age up by three months to 56 months and average mileage 6,691 miles higher at 76,855.

Examples of the increases in average month-on-month values in December include car vans up by 26.9% (£453 to £2,139), boxes and Lutons up by 7.8% (£307 to £4,250) and 4x4s up by 2.7% (£168 to £6,428).

Decreases in values include car derived vans down by 8.5% (£219 to £2,359), small panel vans down by 3.3% (£138 to £4,001), large panel vans less than 3.0t down by 2.9% (£105 to £3,494) and large panel vans greater than 3.0t down by 5.3% (£202 to £3,632).

Wright added: “The outlook for the used van market remains very positive as we enter 2010”