Euro Auctions achieve new internet sales record

214 Euro Auctions set a new internet sales record for the company after online buyers spent more than US$10.9million (£7million) on used plant equipment during a recent auction in northern England.

Over 3,500 lots of used plant and construction equipment went under the hammer at the event in Leeds.

"Bidding was brisk across the board with large quarry trucks, good late years, low hours excavators and access equipment all proving abundant and popular," said Jonnie Keys from Euro Auctions.

"We also saw total registrations up by almost 20%, with first time bidders and overseas registrations also up – indicating that the international market for used equipment is on the bounce."

A new 1.82metre high, hand crafted model of the Eiffel Tower, suitable for a garden landscaping project or restaurant, went for $1,177 (£750). Several other unusual lots in the January sale included an immaculate; almost new, hi-spec 1233 BMW 730 with just 10,000 miles on the clock, which went for $54,961 (£35,000). Lot 1066 was a 2006 255 JCB 8080ZTS with rubber tracks that went for just $4,318 (£2,750). The four-figure sum was achieved despite the machine being partially burnt out following an engine fire.

Pre sales viewing and attendance were up significantly with buying interest being reported from right across Europe with a strong showing from Poland, The Netherlands and Finland, along with the usual large contingent from across the UK.

All lots were available for Internet bidding at the auction, and around a quarter of all sales by volume went to online bidders. At the close of the sale over 700 of all those registering, from over 50 countries, had made purchases in the sale, including around a quarter of the 138 first time bidders. Around 55% of all the items bought will be exported from the UK, further underpinning the international demand for used equipment.

Keys added: "The market looks to remain buoyant for all concerned and the auction is quite simply the best place to go to source the equipment needed. Buyers should be able to access a good variety of equipment while sellers benefit from strong demand and continue to realise good prices."

In addition to its European operations, increased global demand, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region, will see Euro Auctions hold its first sale at its new auction site in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in March 2012 as part of its continuing global expansion.