Latest data from Dealer Auction’s EV Performance Review shows a gradual and consistent performance from alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) in February, with sold prices on the rise and a number of other high-performing models, led by the hybrid Hyundai Tucson.
The web marketplace reported that the common sold price on AFVs increased by slightly below 5% to £17,766 – its highest level since Dealer Auction began monitoring the performance of AFVs from January 2024,which it believes bodes well for the sector in 2025.
The common age of AFVs fell from 4.4 to 4.2 years old, with mileage also dropping from 36,129 to 33,980. While age and mileage fluctuated throughout 2024, each figures have progressively been decreasing over the previous few months, showing stronger signs of consistency.
Dealer Auction’s marketplace director, Kieran TeeBoon, commenting, said: “It’s encouraging to see February following the lead of a powerful January. Last month, I said the important thing to long-term success for the used market might be seeing younger and lower mileage stock, and February definitely delivered on this. Vehicles which are younger and carry fewer miles is perhaps what suggestions the scales by way of attracting AFV-curious drivers.”
Despite the bid and retail margin figures being barely down (2% for every) in comparison with last month, they continue to be robust. At 5,068 and £2,945 respectively, they are available above the 2024 averages.
Turning to the best-performing trade-to-trade AFV models in February 2025, the hybrid Hyundai Tucson was once more the highest seller, having previously topped the general 2024 chart and the January 2025 chart.
But, more notably, the family SUV greater than doubled its January volume sold in February. It also clocked the third-highest profits, with a median retail margin of £3,378, and joined the CAP performance top 10 for the primary time this 12 months with 110.4%.
There was also success for Toyota. The Yaris hybrid ranked second in sales, while the Yaris, Prius and Auris hybrid models secured the highest three places within the CAP performance table, posting 112.7%, 112.7% and 112.0% respectively.
Hybrid models continued to dominate, with just one electric automobile featuring within the three top 10 charts. But notably, this was a brand new EV entry – the Peugeot E-208 – which might be one to look at because the 12 months progresses.
Lexus also continued to attract profits for dealers, this time with the hybrid NX topping the common gross margin table with £3,612 and likewise rating in the highest 10 for each sales and CAP performance.
Despite Lexus’ performance, mainstream vehicles dominated the rankings for February, taking 90% of the CAP performance top 10, 90% of the highest 10 for average gross margin and 80% of the highest 10 positions in sales. January had seen a 60:40 mainstream-premium split for top margins, but February saw premium brands like Mercedes-Benz being edged out.
TeeBoon concluded: “February was a powerful month for preowned AFVs and it is going to be interesting to see if that is sustained in the approaching months. Many dealers are pushing latest EVs because of the change in VED rates from April, so it is going to be interesting to see if this ends in an influx of younger, lower-mileage EVs or hybrids on the trade scene, as drivers look to upgrade before the deadline.”
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com