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"Only time will tell"
The question for fleet operators is whether it's worth procuring a more efficient vehicle - say, a BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics over a conventional 320d - based on the return you're likely to get come defleet time.
Mitchell remains sceptical: "Only time will tell. We have yet to see these types of vehicles come through in any significant numbers in order to make a sound judgement. Fleets are certainly influential in setting the trends for the used car sector, so the decisions that were made three years ago are being borne out now and the decisions they are making now will play out in three years' time.
"Fleets are buying vehicles based on usage, driver BIK bands and fuel costs while used car buyers are focused on ownership, and whether the model is a 3-series Efficient Dynamics rather than a standard 320d has no significance."
Metcalfe, however, believes it is worthwhile, but not on the basis of the residual benefits alone because they're still not high enough on used buyers' shopping lists: "For a fleet manager grappling with the vehicle spec decision, I believe it is worth opting for these lower-emission models as they can reap the rewards while the vehicle is on contract.
"If you're making the decision purely on the basis of recouped residual value, I don't believe there is a premium at the point of disposal. The type of second-hand buyer that looks at the low-emission element of a vehicle is still in the minority."
The residual value expert's view
In contrast to the views of other remarketing experts here, Glass's director of valuations and analysis Richard Parkin believes that used buyers have well and truly latched onto CO2 levels as a buying criteria.
"Whether it be on an Audi A3 or on a Mercedes S-class, buyers have focused on CO2 figures as they believe they deliver the lowest running costs. This has only intensified in the past few years with the economic downturn. Therefore the lowest petrol engines in the small to lower medium sector and diesel engines in all model ranges residually perform the best."
However, he maintains that second-hand buyers aren't necessarily conscious of the exact CO2 figures, despite the fact that they know they want a clean vehicle.
"Whether most buyers fully understand is another matter - it is perpetuated by the media and the dealers first, and then filters through to the end user."
Parkin believes the trend began with smaller cars but has now established itself with used vehicles further up the spectrum, with more to come: "It first started with the smaller car sectors, but it has been filtering to all segments with the exception of exotica and top-end sports cars, although this may also change given another two to three years.
"As this began several years ago in earnest, circa 2009, we are to expect that a certain amount of increase in popularity is due to downsizing policies reconstituting what is available for resale.
"As this is now taking hold across virtually all segments there is a certain amount of 'washing out' as the newer, downsized vehicles appear on the used car market."
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