Vehicle remarketing solutions (vrs) is urging independent dealers to react quickly to rising fuel prices and stock up on smaller, higher spec vehicles.

With unleaded fuel topping 89p a litre and diesel prices reaching 93p a litre retail demand for economical vehicles is set to rocket, says vrs.

The remarketing company says independent dealers have a free hand in the range of stock they put on the forecourt and provides an advantage over the franchised dealer. This presents a good opportunity for the flexible independent dealer that can react quickly to market trends.

Mike Pilkington, vrs managing director, says: “We have seen an increase in demand for smaller and higher spec vehicles from dealers throughout the UK. We believe that retail demand is driving this trend and it only looks set to continue.”

Traditionally the demand for small diesel vehicles hasn’t been strong but vrs seen a marked increase in demand for these types of vehicles. The higher spec vehicles are also proving popular with dealers.

According to vrs examples of vehicles selling well over their larger engine rivals are:

  • Volkswagen Lupo 1.4S
  • Nissan Micra Hatchback 1.2SE
  • Peugeot 206 HDI Style
  • Renault Clio 1.2 16v Dynamique