ATLANTA -

Manheim and VW Credit, the financial services subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, revealed Thursday they’ve expanded the number of North American auction locations dedicated to handle sales for the captive.

Officials indicated the total number of Manheim locations that orchestrate VCI sales now stands at 11 with the addition of Manheim Seattle.

The companies contend VCI’s success at other Manheim locations and the auction’s ability to offer a variety of remarketing channels served as a strong catalyst for the decision to expand. They added VCI plans to bring pre-owned Volkswagen and Audi vehicles to Manheim Seattle’s Exotic Highline Event buyers throughout 2011.

“Manheim Seattle is a sound choice for the future growth of VCI,” stated Mark Ilijanic, general manager of auctions at VW Credit.

“At the end of last year, we assessed where we stood in each market across the United States and evaluated areas with growth opportunities,” Ilijanic continued. “With the inventory trends we saw, we felt that Seattle was an area where we could significantly expand and grow our highline footprint.”

Manheim pointed out the inaugural VCI sale actually was held last month and featured approximately 200 units in the open sale.

In addition to hosting its own monthly lane sale at Manheim Seattle’s Exotic Highline Event, VCI intends to offer units on Manheim Simulcast. The finance company also is looking to host a weekly Manheim Monday sale from Manheim Seattle.

The auction company reminded buyers that they can preview available Volkswagen and Audi inventory via Manheim’s 24/7 bid or buy now solution at OVE.com five days before each sale.

“We look forward to welcoming VCI to Manheim Seattle and furthering our strong partnership by adding another market-leading location,” noted Tom Nohstadt, vice president of commercial accounts at Manheim.

“Our buyers will gain a fresh, new supply of quality Volkswagen and highline Audi inventory as a result of our new partnership, and we are confident VCI will enjoy the award-winning service level they will receive from their newest VCI-Manheim team members,” Nohstadt concluded.