The firm says its 18 centres throughout the UK have seen a 4.5% increase in volume of vehicles going under the hammer compared with the same period of 2010, and a 5.3% increase in overall sale price. Demand has been strong across all sectors and vehicles sold so far this year have achieved an average of 97.8% CAP Clean.

Mike Pilkington, managing director, Manheim Remarketing said: 'The strong start to the year clearly shows that demand for used cars and vans remains as robust as ever. The increase in both volumes sold and sale prices achieved is very encouraging as is the high average percentage CAP Clean achieved.'