At the debut van, truck and plant sale a total of 243 vehicles were auctioned to an audience of 100 buyers plus a further 72 buyers "attending" via Simulcast.

In addition to the selection of panel vans, mini-buses and tippers, there were 7.5 to 18 tonne rigids, tractor units, mobile workshops, access platforms, compressor units and cable trailers. The two vehicles attracting the highest selling price were a BT Fleet DAF LF55 220 Dropside on a '55' plate fitted with an Atlas 165Z crane which sold for £27,600 and a Lombard Vehicle Management Iveco Eurocargo 130E24 Crewcab Tilt and Slide Recovery Vehicle on a 54 plate, which sold for £21,700.

Brian Rossington, national HGV and plant manager, Manheim Auctions, said: 'Bruntingthorpe is a unique facility with its central location and 650 plus acres of land. It has been several years since the UK has seen the launch of a brand-new auction facility catering for vans, trucks and plant and I believe Bruntingthorpe offers considerable opportunities for the future. Buyer feedback has been extremely positive, with a keen interest in further auctions.'

James Davis, general manager, commercial vehicles, Manheim Auctions, added: 'Moving forward the partnership between Manheim Auctions and Bruntingthorpe will unquestionably provide commercial vehicle fleet operators and funders with a unique facility that combines end-of-life defleet activities with professional remarketing channels.'