The Ford EcoSport is a fresh contender as a top profitmaker in Dealer Auction’s Retail Margin Monitor for May.
The subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Ford between 2003 and 2023. made its debut in 10th place, boasting an average retail margin of £2,670. This milestone underscores a growing trend where mainstream models are becoming significant profit generators.
Previously, the Ford S-MAX and Ford Kuga also demonstrated strong performances, with the latter narrowly missing the top 10.
Kieran TeeBoon, Dealer Auction’s marketplace director, remarked: “It’s notable to see mainstream, family-friendly models like the EcoSport entering the top 10. The Peugeot 3008 also rejoined the chart for the first time this year, and the Audi Q5 has made its first appearance since February 2022. Dealers should monitor these trends closely to stock models that resonate with consumers and maximise profit opportunities.”
This data release coincides with the SMMT’s announcement of a 6.5% growth in the UK used car market for the first quarter of 2024, marking the best start to a year since 2019.
“This growth is a confidence boost for the industry. Despite recent challenges, proactive strategies in pricing and stock selection are proving beneficial,” said TeeBoon.
Further analysis reveals Kia and Volkswagen re-entering the top 10, reflecting a dynamic lower half of the brand chart.
TeeBoon concluded: “The ongoing jostling among brands like Kia, Nissan, Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota, Peugeot, and Škoda at the lower end of the table indicates that mainstream models shouldn’t be overlooked. It will be interesting to see if any can become top-tier staples like the premium brands Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.”