Dealers face a critical balancing act as they try to tackle used car stock shortages while avoiding paying over the odds vehicles, industry experts will warn at a major conference next month.

 Click here to view the full conference programme.

With demand outstripping supply, bidding wars are breaking out in the auction halls and forcing up prices to unprecedented levels.

As a result, buyers could be risking dealership profit margins in an attempt to fill empty spaces on the forecourt.

Adrian Rushmore, Glass’s Guide, will explain that there is little prospect of an improvement in supply – in fact, dealers will have to work harder to ensure that already-depleted stocks do not diminish further.

“The growing concern for dealers is that consumers will not accept the transfer of these higher trade prices to retail asking prices.

"In order to maintain turnover, many dealers are now accepting slightly shorter margins to ensure ongoing business,” he said.

Click here to see what other industry experts have to say.

Tackle the shortage and create a profitable used car strategy for the future at the AM Used Car Conference on October 14 in Birmingham.

Remaining places for dealers only – tickets from £199+vat

• Click here to book now or call Kate Howard on 01733 468146 for more information.

• Read this story in full in September 25 issue of AM.