The Gavel - July 2025
The Gavel, July 2025: Key insights from wholesale UK vehicle auctions
Fresh from the lanes, our auction experts Kevin Blincowe (car) and Stuart Peak (LCV) share the latest trends from wholesale UK vehicle auctions, helping you prepare your business for the months ahead.
Used car market trends from the lanes: Setting the pace for a strong H2
Kevin Blincowe - Car auction market
July brought a surge of energy to the UK vehicle auctions scene, especially in the used car market. Buyer engagement was high, values held strong and retail-ready vehicles achieved standout prices - in some cases, even exceeding expectations.
What drove the used car market strength?
- Retail demand remained steady in the used car market, supported by limited supply in key segments, including age and mileage.
- Multiple bidders chasing the same lots led to prices being pushed beyond reserve.
- Well-specified vehicles have been a critical used car market trend recently, and July wasn’t any different. Cars that were the right colour, with the right history and minimal cosmetic work required attracted fierce competition.
July saw a boost in the used EV Market
While the used EV market is certainly facing challenges, the lanes saw a clear uptake in July. Clean, newer-plate battery EVs (BEVs) from trusted sellers sold confidently, reflecting a growing demand retail-side, and an increasing trade confidence when it comes to pricing and electric stock.The gap between EV and ICE vehicle desirability continues to narrow, provided the vehicle is well-presented and priced right.
Looking ahead: Used car market trends expected in H2
Even with a positive month setting the stage for a strong H2, buyers remained discerning in July – a used car market trend expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.Stock that required more prep or lacked spec still sold, but only when paired with sharp pricing from vendors. Tidy presentation continues to be the fasted route to a strong sale, and those who invest in the details are seeing the rewards.
While August may bring the usual holiday-season slowdown, volumes in used car market are set to rise with fresh part-exchanges and end-of-contract returns following the September plate change – and Manheim is ready.
Strong volumes, steady pricing and resilient demand at LCV auction
Stuart Peak - LCV auctions
July was nothing short of exceptional in the used van market, with Manheim breaking records across the board. Despite the summer holiday period, buyer appetite was hot, and the LCV auction lanes were buzzing with activity.
Key highlights from LCV auctions
- Record volumes sold with nearly 2,000 more vans sold in July 2025 compared to July 2024, which was already a record-setting month.
- First-time conversions improved by over 5% MoM, with nearly 90% of vans selling first time.
- Additional sales at Colchester, Gloucester and Shotts helped meet used van market demands.
- Buyer numbers surged by 20% vs June 2025 and 24% vs July 2024.
Looking ahead: Used van market trends expected in August
Feedback from buyers confirmed strong retail activity throughout 2025, and July really took things to a new level. The hunger for quality LCV stock was clear and while volumes are expected to ease slightly in August (in line with typical seasonal trends), this moderation is helping to stabilise the market. Ultimately, buyer confidence remains high and the outlook for the rest of the summer is positive.
UK vehicle auctions: Final thoughts for July 2025
Whether in the used car market, vans or EVs, strong results continue across UK vehicle auctions. July’s performance has laid the groundwork for a successful second half of the year, and with the September plate change approaching, the momentum is expected to continue.Subscribe today, ready for next month’s edition of The Gavel. Where we’ll continue to track the latest used vehicle market trends and bring you insights from the heart of the auction lanes.
