Aston Barclay’s decision to allow car buyers to return to its auction halls when COVID-19 ‘Lockdown 3’ ended in April has delivered a 17% uplift in attendances.
Aston Barclay managing director Martin Potter has said that the success of the remarketing provider’s return to physical auctions after ‘Lockdown 3’ could mean it has to “turn traders away”.
Aston Barclay has reported that its used car sales volumes in a COVID-19 hit Q1 were a match for those of the same period in 2020.
Aston Barclay is preparing to welcome car and van retailers back to its auction halls after 84% of buyers voted for a return to physical trading.
An influx of high-mileage ex-fleet stock pushed the average price of a used van down in February, at auction firm Aston Barclay.
The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) has said that first-time conversion rates are set to rise as used car demand increases with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Aston Barclay has partnered with the AA and VMS Group to provide its used car buyers with vehicle checks and a buyer guarantee before making their next stock purchase.
Car retailers have returned to auctions in February after January experienced “price sensitive” trading as they stocked forecourts with sub-£12,000 price vehicles, according to Aston Barclay.
The Independent Motor Dealers Association (IMDA) has appointed Aston Barclay as its new auction partner.
Aston Barclay will host two e-Live online auction events between Christmas and the New Year to help dealers source used car stock during the festive period.
Used car values declined or remained static as Aston Barclay continued to trade vehicles online throughout November’s COVID-19 ‘Lockdown 2’in England – maintaining 70% of its usual capacity.
Signs that the used car market is starting to soften are becoming apparent and UK remarketing centres with demand and pricing predictions “becoming more difficult” at each sale, according to Aston Barclay.
Aston Barclay has confirmed it will never sell used cars to consumers in competition with its dealer customers, following the launch of rival firm BCA’s new cinch offering.
Aston Barclay has reported that the “unstoppable” strength of the used car market might be about to soften after increased post-September supplies start to reach remarketing centres.
BCA has reported that “exceptionally strong interest” in LCVs saw vehicles selling for an average of 13% over guide value expectations during August.
Aston Barclay has launched a new dedicated LCV sale at its Donington Park site, as part of its expanding focus on commercial vehicles.
Just as car dealers have had to adapt to responsible retailing standards, with PPE, limits on customers and virtual meetings, so automotive industry suppliers have had to play their part.
Vantage Motor Group has further strengthened its part-exchange used car remarketing relationship with Aston Barclay.
Soaring demand for vans after COVID-19 triggered a home delivery shopping culture across the UK triggered a 20.8% rise in used values during Q2, according to Aston Barclay.
Aston Barclay has said that a surge in demand for used cars stock has seen value rise to its records highest ever level for a Q2 period – with older cars and diesel vehicles leading the way.
