Aston Barclay reports robust competition among dealers for high-value SUVs

Auction house Aston Barclay is reporting fierce competition among dealers for higher-value SUVs to meet customer demand, according to its June used car desirability index.

Premium brands dominate this index with the Porsche Taycan, Range Rover Velar, and Audi Q7 topping the list as the most sought-after vehicles at auction.

Dealers are increasingly purchasing these SUVs on demand rather than stocking them in large quantities to manage cash flow effectively.

The competition extends beyond traditional SUVs, indicated by the presence of electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan, MG5, and Tesla Model Y in the top rankings. This underscores a growing dealer interest in zero-emission vehicles across different price segments.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) secured three spots in the top 10 with models like the Velar, Range Rover, and F-Pace, while BMW claimed two places with the X5 and X4.

Nick Thompson, chief customer officer at Aston Barclay, noted the shift in dealer behaviour influenced by increased stocking costs, such as higher interest rates over recent months.

He also noted that dealers are now opting to stock multiple lower-value vehicles rather than a single higher-value car, using auctions to swiftly acquire specific stock as needed.

Thompson added, "Auctions play a crucial role in helping dealers efficiently manage their used car inventory amid current economic conditions." Aston Barclay's monthly desirability index factors in web views, bidding activity, and sale prices achieved to gauge market trends and vehicle demand.