Remarketing firm GRS is urging dealers to add light commercial vehicles to their range of used stock after securing a deal to supply used Fiat Scudo and Ducato vans. It believes dealers have an opportunity to boost profits by taking advantage of growing consumer demand for used vans.

GRS, which recently rebranded from Greenhous Remarketing Services, offers cars and vans from a range of manufacturers including Vauxhall, Ford, VW, Renault, Citroen and Peugeot.

David Grice, GRS business development manager, believes vans offer a new profit opportunity.

“Light commercial vehicles have traditionally been seen as the sub brand of the manufacturer's portfolio - an attitude which has been carried through to dealerships,” he said.

“Many dealers don't carry used LCVs and are reluctant to enter this uncharted territory. Others haven't recognised that this could be a new profit centre for them if they expanded their range of stock and presented a high quality range as an addition to their used car offer.”

Light commercials have accounted for more than 10% of the new market over the past two years, but this demand has not been reflected in the quantity and quality of used stock carried by dealers. GRS claims consumer demand, particularly for smaller vans, is continuing to grow.

“We are working with a number of motor retailers to help them get their used van sales off to a flying start,” said Mr Grice.

“As they get more familiar with the product, they are buying more stock and as consumers see dealers' product range and knowledge growing, they are responding with hard cash.”