"This week's market has continued to be much the same as the past three weeks, albeit a little brighter at some centres. This is mainly due to a slight upturn in the retail market last weekend. The reality is, however, that generally the market is still depressed.

Many of the major buyers are still missing from the auction halls and those that are attending are certainly being selective in what they buy and quite determined over how much they will bid. The 'switched on', sharp disposal managers are taking advantage of very fair first time bids and moving their stock quickly. Whilst their Cap percentage figures are slightly down, their conversion figures remain high.

Achieving Cap Clean is a bit of a rarity unless the vehicle is an 'oddball' or high spec. The majority of vehicles are achieving Cap average but high mileage, poor colour cars are below Cap average and less. This present market really does show vehicles in their true light and now more than ever, the trade guides really should be used as a guide. Vehicles are being valued purely on their merits.

There is a lot more vehicles available in the auction centres and buyers certainly have more choice over what to buy. There are, however, some vehicles that are purely unwanted at any price. Manufacturers' sales are still tough with franchised dealer buyers not needing the quantity of nearly new stock as again, they are simply buying to replace units sold and not for stock."