March delivered a robust performance for the used automotive market with faster sales and easing prices helping to spice up dealer activity, in keeping with the newest Market View from Cazoo & Motors.
Automotive supermarkets led the charge, increasing sales volumes by 24% month-on-month and 25% year-on-year, while franchised dealers recorded a 17% monthly uplift and a 7% annual rise. Independent retailers saw a 7% monthly increase, although sales were down 8% compared with March last 12 months.
Buyer demand accelerated significantly in March, with average days to sell falling to 25, down from 30 in February and 32 in January. Franchised dealers recorded the fastest turnaround times at just 18 days, followed by automotive supermarkets at 20 days. Independents lagged behind at 43 days, although all three sectors improved each month-on-month and year-on-year.
Prices fall as EV stock rises
Pricing trends played a key role in stimulating demand. Average used automotive prices fell to £17,556 in March, down 0.8% month-on-month, marking the third consecutive monthly decline since prices peaked in December 2025.
Lucy Tugby, marketing director of Cazoo & Motors, said: “Many dealers experienced a robust March as consumer demand was boosted by good availability and competitive pricing. This was reflected in the perfect month we’ve recorded for lead generation across the Cazoo & Motors platforms.
“Our data shows some strong performances being achieved across all automotive retailing sectors, with franchised dealers retaining their used automotive focus throughout the plate-change.”
Used EV prices continued to fall, reaching £22,174, down 1.8% month-on-month and 9% year-on-year, marking a sixth consecutive monthly drop. Hybrid prices also declined to £23,896, down 0.5% month-on-month and 4% year-on-year. Dealer inventory levels held regular at a median of 52 units, barely up from 50 units a 12 months ago.
Stock mix electrifies
The combination of stock is continuous to shift as electrified vehicles gain share. Petrol cars accounted for 49% of dealer stock and diesel 30%, each declining year-on-year. EVs reached a record 10% share, up 42% year-on-year, while hybrids remained at 11%, up 10% annually. Combined, EVs and hybrids now represent one in five vehicles stocked by dealers.
Tugby added: “The continuing price realignment of EVs is making them an inexpensive consideration for more buyers. That is reflected within the growing volumes being listed on our platforms, with March seeing a rise in models from latest entrant brands equivalent to Jaecoo and Chery, in addition to established players equivalent to Tesla.”
Across the primary quarter, franchised dealers increased EV stock volumes by 3% year-on-year, while automotive supermarkets reduced stock by 4% and independents by 1%.
The proportion of other fuel vehicles rose from 17% to 21% year-on-year, with EV volumes up 37% and hybrids up 9%, despite prices falling by 7% and three% respectively.
Ensure you usually receive AM insights. Make us a preferred source of reports on Google
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
