USED Prius values appear to be rising according to the latest auction data analysis for the Toyota hybrid  by residual value specialists Glass’s.

Data is key in helping to rationalise emerging trends in the fast paced wholesale used car marketplace. The Glass’s editorial team through their significant presence in the used car market and constant analysis of wholesale channels observed that Toyota Prius values have seemingly been on the rise.

Further interrogation of the data collected from the market confirmed that Prius prices have been on the increase since January. The following chart shows residual values expressed as a percentage of original cost new price for the first quarter of the year.

Glass’s senior editor Jonathan Brown said: “In subsequent conversations with buyers and dealer groups, it appears that there is some strong retail demand for the previous two generations of Prius, which has now impacted into latest model value increases, as the ripple effect has pushed across the age ranges.

“Glass’s April valuation data further reflects these changes. The question is whether this change is as a result of the recent bad press surrounding diesel engines or whether it is from a propulsion type perspective and genuine popularity of hybrid technology.

“Glass’s data suggests a very slight shift away from diesel power plant demand since the so called CO2 cheat software scandal, although it would not take very much for the positive effect to be felt by other credible hybrid vehicles.

“As demand pushes upward so values are likely to increase.”