Although seasonal trends have not been experienced in recent years, it is true that they have clearly returned this year. However, there has also been a significant increase in overall wholesale van volumes sold year-on-year, specifically vehicles less than three years of age, where volumes sold have doubled. This high supply pressure looks likely to continue in the short term as volume is driven by business consolidation in a number of key industry sectors.

James Davis, general manager, commercial vehicles, Manheim Remarketing says:”Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we are beginning to experience the traditional winter seasonality with increased pressure on conversion rates. With a month to go before the Christmas holiday period many of our buyers report that retail interest and footfall have fallen. As a result, vendors should be placing seasonality in perspective against overall increases in wholesale volumes and specifically of duplicate product. Vendors should obtain as much data as possible on current market activity to understand the volumes of duplicate stock by segment, then factor in seasonality and overall supply volumes. Furthermore, I would advise vendors to offer vans right up until Christmas as overall the wholesale van market is robust. After all, average van selling prices have risen over the last three years despite the worst recession in recent memory.”