Supply shortages, tighter trading margins and limited retail demand will make 2010 a particularly tough year for used-car dealers, predicts Glass’s Guide.

With the expected return of seasonal used-car depreciation, success will depend on a greater focus on the procurement of trade cars and a strict policy of managing ageing stock.

“Availability of stock will continue to be severely restricted in 2010, though price movements are more likely to reflect the seasonal changes seen prior to 2008,” explained Adrian Rushmore, managing editor of the Guide.

See the next edition of Fleet News for further analysis.