The Gavel - August 2025
Key insights from UK wholesale vehicle auctions
Fresh from the lanes, our auction experts share the latest used vehicle market trends from wholesale UK vehicle auctions, covering both cars and vans. This edition focuses on August’s activity, highlighting how the market performed during the holiday season and what it means for the weeks ahead.
Used car market trends: Steady through the summer lull
Kevin Blincowe, Head of Auctioneering, Manheim Auction Services.
August is always a curious month in the used car market. It carries that stop–start rhythm of the holiday season; steady enough to keep things ticking, but with moments where it feels like half the trade has disappeared to Spain. This year was no different.
Buyer attendance was inconsistent, as many dealers took time out for summer breaks. Yet, despite the softer atmosphere, pricing held firm. Values showed resilience, and as traders returned towards the end of the month, momentum picked up noticeably. Attendances rose, conversions climbed, and bidding grew more competitive, setting the stage for a confident September.
Market resilience in the auction lanes
Manheim’s auction data underlines this stability. Wholesale values nudged upward year-on-year, and despite volumes edging higher, prices stayed strong. Conversions were slightly softer than August 2024, but clearly ahead of July 2025, proving the market absorbed the seasonal lull with ease.
Retail picture: stability, not slippage
Cap HPI’s retail insight reinforced the story. Where August normally sees around a one-percent dip, this year the market gave up only half that. Petrol and diesel cars slipped fractionally, hybrids a little more, while BEVs faced sharper pressure though some marques saw values appreciate.
The broader picture is one of stability: the used vehicle market held up better than many expected, even with summer pressures in play.
Electric vehicles: gaining their place
One year ago, the used EV market was dominated by talk of volatility and risk. Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted. Volumes are healthier, more buyers are stepping in, and appetite for electric stock is building. While BEV prices remain less predictable than ICE, demand is unmistakably growing, with EVs moving from the edges to the mainstream of the used car market trends.
Looking ahead: Preparing for September
September remains pivotal: a plate change, fresh stock, and autumn retail preparation. With pricing steady, demand building, and conversions strengthening, the outlook is positive. Those who positioned themselves well in August will be ready to capitalise on the seasonal lift.
Used van market: Key trends from the lanes
Stuart Peak, National LCV Manager, Manheim Auction Services
A summer to remember
August delivered another exceptional month in the used van market, though dynamics shifted slightly from July’s record-breaking highs. With supply tightening, buyer competition intensified and the van auction lanes delivered consistently strong results.
Highlights from August’s van auctions
- Controlled supply: After July’s bumper volumes, arrivals dipped as expected. Fewer vans combined with strong demand meant prices held impressively against guide.
- First-time conversions: Conversion rates remained excellent, often above 90%, with many vendors seeing 100% success across multiple sales.
- Sweet spot stock: Two- to three-year-old vans needing minimal prep remained scarce and attracted premiums as buyers looked to retail quickly.
- Older stock in demand: Euro 5 and early Euro 6 vans consistently outperformed guide values, showing how buyers recognise good-value stock when they see it.
- Consistency over seasonality: 2025 has been remarkably steady in the LCV sector, defying traditional seasonal dips. Buyer confidence continues to underpin this resilience.
Looking ahead: September’s outlook
September traditionally brings tighter wholesale supply before the plate change, and we expect the used van market to remain fiercely competitive in the early weeks. New van registrations in August were the lowest month of 2025 to date, down 11.4% year-to-date for vans up to 3.5T GVW. All eyes are now on September and the 75-plate change to provide a much-needed injection of new stock.
UK vehicle auctions: Final thoughts for August 2025
From used car market trends showing resilience through the summer slowdown, to the used van market delivering fierce competition and record conversion rates, August underlined the strength of the wholesale trade.
With the September plate change around the corner, fresh supply is imminent and with demand building across cars, vans, and the used EV market, conditions are aligning for a strong close to Q3.
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