USED MARKET
Page 40
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
LOW STOCK FOR 2012
The used truck market is still suffering
The used truck market is still feeling the effects of the last recession. CM analyses how this will affect hauliers in 2012
Words: Steve Banner Late-registered used trucks will continue to be in short supply in 2012 as the effect of lacklustre new truck sales during the last recession keeps working its way through to the second-hand market. If a vehicle hasn’t been sold new, then it can’t be sold used.
Yet the shortage will not cause the retail prices charged for these vehicles to skyrocket, although they will certainly remain irm and perhaps edge up a little. In other words, prices will remain stable for at least the irst three quarters of the year, and possibly for longer.
They will be prevented from soaring out of control by concern among potential purchasers about the overall state of the LTK economy – growth is unlikely to exceed 0.7% in 2012, according to oficial forecasts – and the likely effect of public sector spending cutbacks at both a local and a national level. The risk that the Euro might collapse and trigger a massive inancial crisis remains a worry too.
Hesitant buyers
As a consequence, some hauliers who might have otherwise purchased trucks may hesitate. Those who do decide to buy will resist paying more than they have to. Those, broadly speaking, are the views of a cross-section of dealers, auctioneers and manufacturers approached for their views on the key trends in the second-hand truck market in 2012.
Many of them believe that the irst quarter of 2012 will see a continued demand for Euro-4 trucks as some operators who need to go in and out of the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) belatedly obtain vehicles that comply with a change in the LEZ regulations.
From 3 January 2012 onwards any diesel-powered truck entering the zone that does not comply with the Euro-4 limit so far as particulates are concerned will attract a daily charge of £200. Fixed and mobile cameras will be used to read number plates, with ines of up to £1,000 in store for those who fail to pay.
As a consequence, the hefty gap of up to £6,000 to £7,000 between the value of late-registered Euro-3 trucks and
For today’s news visit: www.commercialmotor.com