Rupert Pontin, chief car editor of Glass’s, said the relative supply and demand of any given vehicle – and therefore its relative desirability and success – can be measured by the average length of time each spends on a forecourt.  

The table below shows the top ten quickest sellers of the year: 

He added: 'It is interesting to note that every vehicle in this list, except the Hyundai i30, is what one might describe as a niche market car. Equally, one could hardly call the Hyundai a volume model. This trend clearly reinforces the concept that today’s Retail buyer is more interested in the type of car that they drive than they have been for some years. To enjoy and be seen in something that is different and distinctive is one factor that has driven the manufacturers to explore concept vehicles and create new niche markets in such a determined manner in recent years. During the course of the year, we have also discussed the fact that seasonality of both 4x4s and Convertibles has almost all but disappeared. This table of quickest sellers certainly supports that train of thought, with six of the top 10 being a 4×4 or crossover SUV. Indeed there is also one convertible sitting in third place.

'Let us not forget that developments in technology mean that 4x4s and crossover SUVs are no longer more expensive to run or less engaging to drive than conventional vehicles. In addition, they also have the aspirational aura that a desirable vehicle encapsulates, so it should be no surprise to see how popular they have become and how quickly they sell.

'Now whilst this suggests that the Retail buyer cannot see any seasonality in either market place, with demand remaining consistent, it is now for the trade to acknowledge this more widely. There are still vendors who hold convertibles until February or March in the belief that they will sell better and make more money. However, these days it must be a close run thing as to whether this policy actually costs them money. If the car was defleeted in November the previous year and held for a special sale in February or March the following year, the costs of the finance, storage, valeting and perhaps refurbishment to make it presentable after a spell sitting idle must be considerable, notwithstanding the fact that at the point of sale the car will be older.'

'We must also consider the fact that a niche market is so-called for two reasons. Firstly, it is a market that comprises of hitherto almost unique vehicles and secondly, the market is small in volume, hence the demand and therefore the subsequent speed at which the vehicle sells. It could be very easy for the current niche markets to become over-supplied as manufacturers look to maximise profits. As a result, the days to sale would increase and the top selling chart may look very different in 12 months’ time.'

Glass's also listed the slowest selling models for 2013: 

Pontin continued: 'This table depicts a couple of interesting trends and, to pick up on niche markets and over-supply of product mentioned earlier, one has only to look as far as the Mercedes R Class which is a very competent car but aimed at a very specific market. In this instance it would appear to show that its relative oversupply has resulted in a very slow time to sale. This could also be because the car is expensive to run by today’s standards, but tactical sales activity in recent years has clearly meant that there are too many cars of this specific type for the number of buyers. This demonstrates the danger of trying to make too much of a niche market. 

'The appearance of two Chrysler models highlights the difficulty of introducing new product to a manufacturer and brand that has hitherto been associated with larger more luxurious vehicles. In the case of the Delta and Ypsilon, it is not just about the type of car and its market sector, but also the appearance and lack of Retail understanding of the brand in the UK and the confusion that these cars are sold as Lancia in the European market.

Finally, the Nissan LEAF has resided in the slowest 10 selling table all year which is a shame as the car is actually very competent. However this showcases the need for the Retail buyer to be given a greater understanding of the Electric Vehicle as a viable means of transport. It also demonstrates the need for improvements in infrastructure that will allow this and similar Electric products to be more accepted by the Retail buyer. 

'So for 2014 it looks as if the Retail buyer will continue to look to buy a vehicle that allows them to express their individuality or just simply provides them with the right balance of practicality and running costs that they need. Any vehicle that has a sensible balance of supply to its market demand will prove to be a good trade purchase which, whilst fairly obvious to the casual observer, remains a concept that many used Car Retailers neither have the time nor motivation to explore. Switched-on management teams and business owners will already be looking ahead to see what will become the future “hot products”, whilst those less visionary will stick to moving the mass produced metal. In summary, 2014 will be about innovative strategy and individuality for both the Retail and Trade buyer. Consequently, this means that manufacturers must continue their quest to explore new and exciting technology for further market sector diversification and, as such, there is no doubt that we have an exciting year ahead.'

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