Manheim Auctions’ 18 centres throughout the UK have got off to a flyer in the New Year with auction lanes packed with buyers in the first couple of weeks trading, following the Christmas break. Attendances both in lane and online have been stronger than usual resulting in lively bidding and very good values achieved. Demand has been strong across all sectors. There has been a 4.5% increase in volume of vehicles going under the hammer compared with the same period of 2010, and a 5.3% increase in overall sale price. The strength of the wholesale used car market is reinforced by the fact that vehicles sold so far this year have achieved an average of 97.8% CAP Clean.

Mike Pilkington, managing director, Manheim Remarketing said: “The strong start to the year clearly shows that demand for used cars and vans remains as robust as ever. The increase in both volumes sold and sale prices achieved is very encouraging as is the high average % CAP Clean achieved.”