Manheim Auction Services, part of Cox Automotive, has delivered its strongest commercial vehicle performance of 2025, with record-breaking Q3 results.
Van sales volumes were up 23.2% compared to the previous quarter, as the business achieved its highest monthly sales ever in July, despite challenging market conditions
Across Manheim’s nationwide network, used vans sold faster than ever, averaging just 11.2 days to sell. First-time conversion rates rose to 85.2%, up 6.2% from Q2.
Average selling prices climbed 5.1% to £8,590, reflecting strong demand for well-prepared stock.
Used electric vans also saw exceptional growth, with sold volumes up 51.7% quarter-on-quarter.
These models were notably younger, averaging 27.2 months, and achieved prices 15.6% higher than in Q2. Conversion rates for BEVs reached 75.8%, highlighting growing buyer confidence in the electric van sector.
Manheim’s vendor network expanded to 477 active partners during Q3 - a 17.4% year-on-year increas. Its Gloucester operations alone processed more than 8,000 commercial vehicles through two dedicated auction lanes.
Matthew Davock, director of commercial vehicles at Manheim UK, said: “This quarter, we saw a clear shift in buyer strategies. Customers are arriving better informed, tracking retail values and mileage closely, and bidding with precision. Combined with smarter release strategies and well-prepared vehicles from our expanding vendor base, Q3 went above and beyond expectations.”
Despite this success, the wider commercial vehicle market continues to face challenges. Fleet and rental operators are extending vehicle lifecycles, with vans now often held for 60 months or more — up from the traditional 36–48-month cycle — leading to more high-mileage stock entering auction channels.
Davock added: “Running vans for longer is a pragmatic decision given the current economic climate and uncertainty around the Autumn Budget. However, operators must understand how this impacts residual values. Lower mileage stock is achieving stronger prices, and timing disposal strategies carefully can make a major difference to overall returns.”
