In its Q1 update, released today, Glass’s has reported an 11% increase in customers in the first three months of 2014, as well as increased sales in all major target sectors compared to this time last year.

Strong and increasing demand from the dealer, fleet & finance and insurance sectors is cited as one of the main reasons for success, as Ed Hummel, Glass’s sales director, explained: ‘Without doubt we have seen a real growth in demand from customers in these key sectors. It’s a sign that the automotive industry is feeling more confident, and we are definitely seeing the green shoots of economic recovery.

‘Q1 generally sets the trend for the forthcoming year. I think we’ll see sentiment in the used car market continue to strengthen over the coming months. Consumer confidence is improving, new car sales are increasing and that’s helping to drive volumes in the used car market. The outlook for this year should be a positive one.’