Used car sales up 17% since June 1, says Dealerweb

Used vehicle sales have grown by 17% in the first 15 days of June, when compared to the same period last year.

New car sales, meanwhile, are 4% behind last year’s figure, according to lead management company Dealerweb.

The strength of the used car market comes with widespread reports of a bounce in the market as dealers opened their doors. The average value of used vehicles sold increased from £18,779 to £19,398.

James Hill, managing director of Dealerweb, said: “We are seeing unprecedented demand for used vehicles with June on track to break records. Contrary to some market sentiment, it isn’t just the cheap runarounds that are selling well. We see year-on-year sales growth on everything from super-minis to supercars.

“The data clearly shows that dealers who nurtured their leads effectively during lockdown, prepared their operations and opened promptly are reaping the benefits. The pinch point at the moment is the capacity in sales teams to process orders and manage demand."

JCT600 said it experienced the busiest week of used car sales in its 74-year history after the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, on July 1.

The Bradford-based AM100 retail group reported getting off to a “flying start” after its showrooms were re-opened, with a 21% uplift across its 48 dealerships compared with the same week last year.

It was also a record-breaking week for incoming sales enquiries with volumes into the business increasing by 177% year-on-year as web traffic doubled compared with the levels experienced during lockdown.

Dealerweb says sales of used prestige vehicles increased 54%, premium by 6% and volume marques by 26% in the first 15 days of June. New vehicles showed increases in the premium and volume sectors of 5% and 7% respectively, but sales of new prestige vehicles declined by 58%.