Do you want some good news? The values of fleet and leasing stock at auction are on the up and there looks to be a semblance of stability entering the sector.

But, that good news has to be tempered. Like-for-like prices have fallen enough to make almost all cars worth considerably less than they were a year ago, but it seems the constant falls of the past few months are slowing. Some predictability may be coming back to the market. 

There are still major problems. In the fleet market, where residual values can make the difference between profit and loss, the issue is when to defleet, with many knowing full well that they are going to get considerably less than has been budgeted for three years ago.

It could result in major casualties.

• Read this story in full in the 9 Jan 09 issue of AM. To subscribe to AM magazine click here or call 01733 468659.