Manheim Online is preparing to launch a market analysis tool on the internet which will enable dealers to assess average vehicle values dating as far back as 13 months.

Alan Cureton, Manheim Auctions sales director, said: “The Market Report provides a service where sellers and buyers can view the vehicles that have been sold through our auctions. It gives them average sales values of the models in real time – the system will be updated every Friday.”

Manheim Market Report, expected to be online by the end of the year, was developed in the US. It is not intended to replace or replicate information from the pricing guides – “we reflect the market, not make it” – but it will give Manheim customers vital statistics on historical values.

“Dealers will be able to see patterns emerging each month. It will help them to make a judgement whether to buy or sell, and which models they should be targeting,” said Mr Cureton.

He expects Manheim will import to the UK over the next year more US-developed services to help the franchised dealers. “They will fulfil our promises to the market,” he said