Used van sale prices were up by 5.5% (£140) month-on-month in January and is the first increase in average wholesale used van prices since September last year.

When compared with January 2008 average wholesale used van prices were down by 22.3% (£767), the average age was two months lower at 52 months and average mileage was 3.217 miles lower at 68,348, according to figures from Manheim.

Examples of the increases in average month-on-month values in January included car vans which rose by 0.6% (£11), small panel vans which rose by 7.1% (£208), large panel vans under three tonnes which rose by 10.0% (£242), large panel vans over three tonnes which rose by 5.9% (£158) and 4x4s which rose by 11.6% (£472) compared with December.

While there was an overall rise in average month-on-month values in January in the higher volume segments, there was an exception in the car derived van segment which fell by 1.0% (£18).

Alex Wright, Manheim Auctions sales director for commercial vehicles, said: “The buoyant atmosphere in the halls during November and December strengthened during the opening weeks of January this year with good attendances in both the auction halls and online. With vendors being more realistic when setting reserves, trade buyers and ‘end user’ buyers are responding and values have consequently increased.

“During January there was clear evidence that many dealers were buying for stock rather than just fulfilling orders and as a result auction values and conversion rates improved. The outlook for February appears positive; the only doubt surrounds the volume of de-fleeted vans coming into the wholesale market over the coming weeks. That said any reduction in supply may strengthen current market activity and values further.”