Average fleet values also fell in December, down 6.4% (£395) to £5,741 according to Manheim Remarketing's data. Average wholesale used car values were also down, by 4.1% (£283) to £6,569, following two months of increases.

Examples of falls in values for Fleet in December include Small Hatchbacks down 2.1% (£85) to £3,985, Medium Family vehicles down 6.1% (£333) to £5,091, Large Family down 11.5% (£559) to £4,294, Compact Executives down 4.4% (£360) to £7,809 and Mini MPVs down 5,9% (£281) to £4,460. 

The only increase in average values in the Fleet sector was for Executives, up 3.0% (£297) to £10,039.

Mike Pilkington, managing director, Manheim Remarketing, said: 'After a dramatic rebound in values during 2009, it was perhaps inevitable that with the continued economic uncertainty there would be a fall in values in 2010 and a return to more traditional patterns of price seasonality. The poor weather provided an additional challenge in December but the availability of our online buying channels helped keep the market moving with record sales for us online in the month. The inclement weather at the start and end of 2010 has certainly boosted 4×4 values across all wholesale sectors despite record fuel prices.'