SMA Vehicle Remarketing has had a series of record sales, which indicates positive market conditions.

Auction sales provide a useful barometer of dealer confidence and what is clear after the first 10 days of September is that it has been a very busy start for the month for franchised dealers and that used buyers are keen to increase stock levels, according to SMA.

Record sales volumes at SMA’s Birmingham and Kinross centres is expected to be matched across the Group’s other centres as stock passes through refurbishment ready for marketing.

Bob Anderson, managing director of SMA, said: “The sustained strong new car market had led us to expect a busy start to September and we have not been disappointed.

"Supply has been matched by demand and our stock funding office activity in the days running up to the start of the month led us to expect that buyers would be active. It seems our planning has been spot on.”

Buyers have been active both online and on the auction floors, with high levels of representation. In common with recent trends, while there is a focus upon quantity, it is evident that quality is also important and time spent in preparation and refurbishment within SMA’s on-site facilities has been well rewarded in price and conversion levels.

Looking ahead to the rest of the month, SMA expects more record sales.