News

The truck market is still experiencing a shortage of stock, with late vehicles particularly in demand, according to Manheim Auction's CV business manager Brian Rossington. The supply of vehicles direct from fleets has not improved during the last month or so and the general feeling is that the situation is unlikely to improve until the end of summer.

This lack of stock is the continuing knock-on effect from the introduction of Euro 4 engines and the fitting of digital tachographs in all  new vehicles, as operators are holding on to their Euro 3 vehicles for longer. As buyers struggle to find sufficient vehicles to fulfil orders, the auction halls are witnessing some fierce bidding battles leading to premium prices being paid. Domestic buyers are also facing strong competition from overseas buyers, especially from Eastern Europe.

There has been a slight uplift in the supply of 7.5-tonne box vans and curtainsiders. A large number of 2002 DAF LF45.150 box vans on offer has eased the shortage slightly, achieving around the guide price of £6,200-£6,400. Any tippers that make an appearance are selling above book prices a recent batch of 2000/51-plate LF45.180s reached on average up to £7,900, £500 above CAP clean.

In the 18-tonne sector, late models remain in short supply, largely due to the fact that rental company customers are hanging onto vehicles for longer than usual. This demand is keeping prices high, for example a 2002 Scania P94.230 with a 20ft curtainsider  body sold for £2,500 above book price at £17,200. Older vehicles are in demand provided they are clean and well-maintained, such as a MAN 18.224 box van on an 'X' plate which sold for £8,600, £1,800 above book price. A recent star performer in this category was a 2004/54-plate DAF LF55 220 Skiploader sold for £37,250.

Demand continues to outstrip supply in the 26- to 32-tonne multi-axle sector, making it one of the most keenly contested segments of the market. For example, a 2006/55-plate Mercedes-Benz Axor 26.33 with insulated tipper body sold for £51,250. Clean, older vehicles have defied guide prices recently, such as a 2000 DAF 85.340 32-tonne Hookloader which sold for £20,400 and a 1998 DAF 85.340 32-tonne platform with crane which achieved £19,500.

Current demand for tractor units is strong, with buyers willing to pay premium prices for tractor units and vehicles of all ages.