The RMI’s Society of Motor Auctions (SMA) reports that members have seen a buoyant start to the year, but warns there is a polarisation in the market and the spectre of ageing unsold stock remains a critical factor. With greater defleet volumes expected through April and the post-Easter period, and no guarantee that retail demand will hold up, the SMA is advising vendors to expect even more competition at remarketing time.

SMA director Alistair Manson commented: ‘Some sellers remain unrealistic when setting reserves. Yet many corporate sellers automatically set reserve values at 100 per cent or more of ‘clean’ guide values, without taking any consideration of the vehicle itself. This only serves to underline the lost art of vehicle valuation.’

To help avoid incurring these costs, the SMA has drawn up a set of recommendations for vendors, including vehicle appraisal, preparation and realistic valuation.

Posted: 03|31|06 at 1:12 pm. Filed under: UK News.