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Happy New Year all. How has the month started for you? Is the retail and footfall, as you expected or more? Volumes look to be up at the auctions; however, one report is that the quality for some could still be an issue/concern - along with prime stock attaining CAP+ figures in some cases. Without mentioning the SMMT figures too much and the debate around transparency of registrations, will or has this sparks a 'good feeling' factor in the industry and consumers? In brief; Is footfall and enquiries up or down? Is stock in enough supply to meet requirements and demand? Will the retail prices hold enough margin against trade values being paid?

For me (a small independent) enquires and sales are up compared to last year. As for stock, I'm stuggling to find my standard stock so I'm trying to be alittle more open minded about what I buy. Prices on Dealer-Auction and Sytner seem to be increasing without entring 'the crazy zone' but also a lot of cars don't seem to be meeting their reserves, weather this is because the dealer has set them too high or if the car do stand them in a to much only they can answer. Only purchased one ex-fleet car from BCA so far and paid a shade under CAP Clean for a Grade 2 Audi A3 TDi. Got about 10 cars lined up for tomorrow from BCA and Dealer-Auction so I guess I will find out how prices are holding up but I'm not expecting any bargins!!!

Is this what we want? Surely they will expect their cut of the sale. In previous lives i've worked for industry suppliers who have all looked at using their own customer base in a similar way, but have struggled to make it work. Both the RAC and insurance companies looked at trying to do something similar in the past. The key as we all know is getting critical mass of vehicles to make it work. This is where our friends at Auto Trader, motors and Ebay have themselves in a strong position. I remember many years ago, as a Lloyds customer, my premium bank account gave me access to cars via them, but this just didn't work for them either... Don;t get me wrong, i fully support any new ideas to open up the market, but am sceptical to how successful this will be...