Immigration comes to the rescue of used van values

According to EurotaxGlass’s, the influx of skilled immigrant labour into the UK over recent years has brought unanticipated support for the values of used vans.

“A healthy export market for used trucks has limited the possibility of oversupply, but for used vans there was never going to be a credible export opportunity that would soak up excess undesirable stock, of which there has been no shortage,” comments George Alexander, Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor at EurotaxGlass’s.

“Thankfully for the motor trade, if not for the long-term health of the UK, the government came up with a revolutionary solution. Instead of exporting 100,000s of used vans, they imported 100,000s of Eastern European plumbers, builders, electricians and roofers. With there now being a vast pool of artisan workers needing a cheap set of wheels to allow them to work, this has proved to be the perfect kick-start for sales of older vans.”

He concludes, “The unprecedented influx of labour has ensured that the used van market has gained an invaluable outlet for vehicles that previously had little value. While the negative aspects of mass migration are well documented, some significant benefits for our industry have been generated by the economic growth of self-employed sectors that require a low-price transport solution.”