The VRA expects the market to come back into line with seasonal trends after a strong start to 2013.

January 2013 didn’t bring the customary uplift in used prices, according to the association, largely driven bya strong market at the end of 2012 and December, in particular, not seeing a seasonal downturn in values.

According to the VRA, in the first couple of months of 2013, the market has experienced some regional differentiation in values for ex fleet models, but generally demand has exceeded supply and good quality stock is selling fast and for top values.

The organisation suggests this situation is likely to continue well into March when higher volumes of ex-fleet stock start to reach the market from the new plate change.

There may be a downward adjustment in prices from the current very high levels, as and when the influx of defleeting volume continues into April.  However, the VRA said this potential affect on prices is not likely to do anything other than to bring the market in line with normal seasonal values.