Used car wholesale values rose 5.2% in May, the first increase in three months, according to the National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA). The average value of all cars was \u00a35,420, a rise of \u00a3267 compared with April\u2019s average.
\nVolumes were down 5% month-on-month at 103,666 units, and were 2% down year on year. First-time conversion rates showed a decline from 75% to 73% as a greater proportion of sub-6.5-year-old cars failed to sell on first presentation. Cars sold on first presentation generated an average premium of \u00a3350 over those re-entered.
\nPaul Hill, NAMA chairman, said: \u201cNew car sales continue at unprecedented levels for the time being, pushed further and faster by the manufacturers eager to keep new car stock levels across Europe at a manageable level.
\n\u201cHowever, in recent weeks the used car market has shown a slight fluctuation with a drop in retail interest that appears to have coincided with both the bank holiday weekends and the improvement in the weather.
\n\u201cThe sub-\u00a35,000 market remains specifically strong and there is good demand for smaller cars that give the lower running costs that help keep monthly household costs at an acceptable level. Equally, there is specific strength in the specialist market over and above \u00a315,000 where buyers are looking for second cars or something a little different. Weakness lies in the late-plate, low-mileage sector, which is still being affected by the fantastic offers on new cars that draw buyers away from used examples.\u201d<\/p>\n