Fleets could benefit in both conversions and values through the de-fleet process by providing a little extra vehicle information to dealers to comply with tighter consumer protection.

Auction industry association NAMA has made the suggestion following a recent Trading Standards seminar. 

At a recent used car conference, a Trading Standards Officer reminded a large used car dealer audience that creating a misleading impression about the previous usage of a vehicle. For example, giving the impression that a vehicle has one previous user – through the use of statements such as ‘one previous owner’ – when in fact it is an ex-business use vehicle that may have had multiple previous users represents an offence.

He encouraged dealers to contact previous owners to ascertain more information about a vehicle’s previous usage. The speaker also reiterated the importance of ensuring vehicles were accurately described in all promotional activity.

NAMA’s Louise Wallis said: "We urge vendors to help us to help them by providing full information on service history, usage, repairs and mileage with as much supporting information as possible.

"Accurate information unquestionably helps conversions and where this supports a quality vehicle it can help values as well.”