Used Land Rover models delivered the largest margins for dealers in May, according to data from Dealer Auction’s monthly Retail Margin Monitor.

The Range Rover Evoque was the top performer, achieving an average margin of £3,820.

The popularity of SUVs has continued from previous months, with the top three models from April holding onto their leading spots. The Evoque was followed by the Volvo XC90 (£3,100) and Audi Q3 (£2,830).

Further down the table, premium models dominate the list, with Mercedes-Benz taking up three spots in the top 10 – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average retail margin of £2,600, followed by Mercedes-Benz A-Class (£2,540) and Mercedes-Benz B-Class (£2,470).

Dealer Auction’s marketplace director Kieran TeeBoon said: "Fewer new car sales due to continued supply challenges in the new car market have therefore led to a suppressed supply of used cars, too.

“This is why it’s important that dealers stock their sites with models that consumers want to buy – and our data can tell you exactly which these are, so you get the highest profit possible.”

At a brand level, Land Rover stays up this month with an average retail margin of £3,500, followed by Jeep with £2,840, showing a prolonged interest in SUVs as premium marques continue to fill the top spots – with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi making an appearance in the top 10 list.

This month also sees the return of DS Automobiles in the tenth spot, with an average retail margin of £2,220. DS Automobiles’ reappearance acts as a reminder of just how important it is for dealers to make sure they’re not forgetting the underdog and have a range of vehicles in stock for all consumer needs.

Richard Walker, Auto Trader’s director of Data and Insights, added: “Although demand has unsurprisingly begun to soften against last year’s ‘once in a lifetime’ levels, our data shows that underlying demand remains healthy wherever stock is readily available.

“With the market moving so quickly, it’s never been more important for retailers to follow the data to ensure they’re reacting to change, sourcing the best stock for their market, and getting the very best margin possible.”

Recent news that fleets are keeping their vehicles for longer, impacting on supply of used stock for dealers, is likely to keep margins strong for some time as consumer demand outstrips supply.

May 2022 top 10 models by retail margin:

Make & model	Average retail margin
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque	£3,820
Volvo XC90	£3,100
Audi Q3	£2,830
Audi A5	£2,700
Volvo XC60	£2,620
Mercedes-Benz E-Class	£2,600
Mercedes Benz A-Class	£2,540
Skoda Superb	£2,500
Jaguar XF	£2,500
Mercedes-Benz B-Class	£2,470

 

May 2022 top 10 makes by retail margin:

Make	Average retail margin
Land Rover	£3,500
Jeep	£2,840
Lexus	£2,680
Jaguar	£2,670
Mercedes-Benz	£2,560
Audi	£2,540
BMW	£2,530
Mitsubishi	£2,430
Volvo	£2,340
DS Automobiles	£2,220