Overall dealer showroom traffic and the number of test drives showed a seasonal decline across all segments in December, according to John Simpson, managing director at Manheim Retail Services. 

Interesting exceptions to the downward trend are executive models, which appeared to hold up well, and 4x4 models which saw only a small decline. After a steady decline, both are now good value. 

Sales conversion rates were up for executive, small hatchback and 4x4 segments. 

Mike Pilkington, managing director of Manheim Auctions and Remarketing, said overall stock for retail sales values fell in December, reflecting the seasonal norm. At less than 1%, the fall was relatively small. 

Activity in the auction halls remained strong, with overall first-time conversion rates up by 5%, taking increases across all vehicle segments into consideration. First-time conversion rates of part-exchange vehicles also held up.

It will be interesting to see if the normal January and February uplift is evident again.

• Read this story in full in the 6 feb 09 issue of AM. To subscribe to AM magazine click here or call 01733 468659.