In the first of a new series of monthly blogs for BusinessCar, car editors from Glass’s report on motor auction activity from around the country.
Manheim Wimbledon is a very friendly environment. The trade buyers here generally know each other, so there is plenty of scope for some friendly banter and discussions.
The overall feedback was that most of them need stock but have found that prices are too high and out of their comfort zone. Despite this, bidding was strong, especially for convertibles.
It will be interesting to see if the next couple of weeks bring a change as potentially more stock starts to filter back into the auctions, increasing supply. However, Easter is most likely to be the trigger point for prices to start falling as most dealers are now expecting showroom traffic to be slow because of good weather.
Jonathan Brown, car editor, Glass’s
Audi Select sales are held at BCA Birmingham on the third Wednesday of each month and feature cars that have been previously offered directly to the Audi network.
They are only open to holders of Black, Gold, Platinum or Silver MyBCA card holders, so physical attendance is generally lower than an open sale but online activity is pretty strong.
Healthy retail demand means that these sales are popular and this one was pretty successful with an impressive first-time conversion rate with nothing really proving to be a challenge. Even the SUVs did well despite the falling general demand of late.
Rob Redman, car editor, Glass’s
BCA Paddock Wood ran a Mega Sale for Motorline, who have around 25 sites in the south of England. Hall attendance was excellent with plenty of buyers evident as well as a good number online. Some of the no-reserve vehicles struggled slightly but, as better stock came through, the tempo changed significantly, prices were much stronger and plenty made over book money. The majority sold on the hammer and the final score after provisionals was very pleasing for all. A good result.
Jonathan Brown, car editor, Glass’s