Following the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) announcement of new car sales being up by 6.7%, SMA Vehicle Remarketing has posted a record month across the Group, reflecting a positive picture for the used car market.

Buyer feedback has indicated that dealers are looking to increase stock levels while buying trends indicate a desire for fast turnaround stock, pre-prepared and ready to retail.

Interest in the small and medium size segments is particularly strong; with even premium and luxury vehicles getting more interest – falling pump prices and increasing levels of consumer disposable income are felt to be behind this growth.

SMA managing director Bob Anderson said: “All of our Centres across the UK delivered record sales in January. It was a performance that was also shared by our rapidly expanding digital remarketing operation.

“Attending many of our auctions during January and speaking first hand to dealers it is clear that there is heightened activity and a more positive feeling. However, the market remains very tight and as such buyers are being circumspect; they want stock they can retail quickly, with minimal preparation cost. Having shared this insight with our vendors, many are investing in pre-sale preparation.

“We are also working to make it easier for buyers to make a buying decision by developing new products such as our Buy-Back Guarantee.”

Looking ahead, SMA’s outlook is cautiously optimistic with new car sales having enjoyed 35 months of growth with many of those vehicles now entering the remarketing cycle.