The Gavel - A Year Round-Up 2025
A strong finish to a standout year
As 2025 draws to a close, the UK’s wholesale vehicle market continues to demonstrate strength, maturity, and consistency. The year has been defined by steady trading conditions across both the UK used car market and the LCV auction sector. Firm values, resilient buyer appetite, and balanced supply have underpinned the market’s performance. As we approach the end of the year, the lanes remain lively, sentiment is positive, and momentum is firmly on our side.
Used car market trends: A year of stability, confidence, and meaningful progress
Kevin Blincowe, Head of Auctioneering, Manheim Auction Services
A strong year from start to finish
As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that this year has delivered real progress for the used car remarketing sector. After several turbulent years in the automotive industry, this period has been marked by stability, rather than dramatic shifts. Supply remained steady throughout the year, with strong conversion rates, firm wholesale pricing, and sustained buyer confidence. This stability has been a key theme in the 2025 UK used car market.
Quarterly rhythm, predictable performance
The year started on solid ground, with:
- Q1 and Q2 delivering firm values, steady retail demand, and strong fleet performance on the right stock.
- Even with softening in April and May, the market behaved as expected for the season.
ICE vehicles, particularly well-specified used petrol and diesel cars under five years old, remained the backbone of the trade, continuing to deliver predictable returns.
EVs find their footing in the UK used EV market
One of the quieter successes of 2025 has been the maturity of the UK used EV market. After previous volatility, the segment found its balance:
- Values remained steady
- Volumes increased
- Buyer appetite broadened
The right EV (sensible range, clean history, tidy condition) has become a reliable, predictable part of the wholesale vehicle auction mix, offering consistent performance.
A confident autumn
While August saw the typical seasonal lull, pricing remained resilient across the UK used car sector towards the end of Q3:
- Units sold: up 15 percent year on year
- Conversion rates: up four points
- Average prices: up 10 percent
- CAP Clean: up 2 percent
This was one of the strongest months we’ve seen in recent years, underscoring the depth of demand in the UK wholesale market when supply and appetite align.
As the year progressed into October and November, the trend continued. Buyers became more selective, in line with wider CAP/HPI UK used car trends:
- Retail-ready cars sold instantly
- Lower-grade vehicles required sharper pricing
- SUVs remained plentiful
- Small petrol cars dominated demand
- EVs held steady
Operational success: A defining year for Manheim UK
2025 has also been a major year for Manheim UK operationally. The successful launch of Lookers was a key achievement, delivering high volumes and strong engagement across our auction channels. We also secured long-term vendor retentions, strengthening our position in the UK vehicle remarketing industry as we head into 2026. Throughout the year, we saw continued success with the hybrid auction model, with strong in-lane and online engagement. Buyers have consistently told us that being able to “walk the metal” gives them a valuable edge. We also welcomed three new auctioneers: James, Dylan, and Dan, who continue to showcase the depth of our talent pipeline and our commitment to the future of the UK auction profession.
A year that exceeded expectations
Our 2025 volume targets were ambitious, but the team surpassed them. It has been a year of consistent performance, strong vendor partnerships, and steady progress across the UK wholesale vehicle market.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re in a stronger position than at the start of the year and well placed for continued growth.
Used van market trends: A settled, confident, and high-performing year-end
Stuart Peak, National LCV Manager, Manheim Auction Services
Values rise again as competition intensifies
November continued a trend of stability and confidence in the UK used van market, with several key data points reinforcing the strength of the LCV remarketing sector:
- The average selling price rose to £8,832, the highest in 18 months, £257 higher than in October
- Year-to-date, average prices have risen by 10.55 percent
- Stock levels tightened in the second half of the year, increasing competition in the lanes
- First-time conversions remained strong showing continued demand across UK LCV auction channels
Guide prices remain aligned, with key uplift in chassis-derived vans
Throughout 2025, CAP/HPI guide prices remained well aligned with real-world LCV auction performance, helping maintain market stability. As we head into December, chassis-derived vans have seen significant upward adjustments, with some rising more than 12 percent. Tippers, Dropsides, and Lutons have performed extremely well, justifying these uplifts based on current market trends.
Award-winning performance for Manheim LCV
A major highlight this year was attending the WhatVan? Awards at London’s Bankside Hotel, where Manheim was proud to win Remarketing Provider of the Year. This recognition reflects the outstanding performance of the Manheim Commercial Vehicle remarketing team throughout 2025.
Looking ahead to 2026
2025 has been a strong, steady year for the LCV sector and for Manheim’s operational performance. With strong foundations in place and more announcements to follow, 2026 is shaping up to be another successful year for UK LCV remarketing.
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