IRVINE, Calif. -

In the fourth quarter, the percent of used-vehicle sales at franchised dealerships comprised of certified pre-owned vehicles was at a seven-year high, according to Edmunds.com, which is projecting another record CPO year.

Edmunds said in its latest Used Market Quarterly Report that certified units represented 20.2 percent of all used sales by franchised dealers in Q4.  

Franchised dealers moved 510,665 certified vehicles in the quarter (up 13.4-percent year-over-year) to cap a year of 2.08 million CPO sales (up 13.6 percent), according to the report’s data.

Overall used-car sales volumes dropped 5 percent at 35.71 million sales for 2013, but used sales for franchised dealers were up 8.1 percent at 10.80 million.

Edmunds said this points to a boost in lease return and trade volume. And with off-lease volumes projected to increase further in 2014, one way in which automakers will take advantage is through CPO.

Manufacturers, Edmunds said, “will continue to gear up for the influx of lease returns by bolstering their CPO programs. Specifically, programs are being enhanced with better coverage and dealer engagement is increasing.”

The report goes on: “Additional lease returns in the first quarter of 2014 will also contribute to better selection and improved prices for used-car buyers.”