In a joint announcement today, Manheim, ADESA and the independent auctions said they have made significant progress toward the creation of a multiplatform bidding solution that would facilitate simultaneous bidding on vehicles listed on multiple online auction sites.

The statement from these auction parties says that the proposed multiplatform solution is different from any other technology solution currently available in that it would allow a consigned car to receive bids from multiple online auctions from the moment the car is offered for sale until the time the car receives the winning bid.

A multiplatform steering committee has also been formed by Manheim, ADESA and representatives from the independent auctions. This committee will oversee the development of the industry-wide initiative.

There has also been a technical committee formed by industry representatives, who are approaching the final design of the architecture of the multiplatform bidding solution.

Additionally, the steering committee has brought in Auto Auction Services Corp. to build and maintain the hub technology used to facilitate the distribution of the inventory and the synchronization of the bidding activity between the multiple online platforms, the statement said.

“As industry leaders, we play a key role in advancing the remarketing business and developing solutions that position our customers to better compete,” said Manheim and AutoTrader group president Sandy Schwartz.  “Our customers have asked for this, and with multiplatform bidding, we've not only created the type of channel that our customers want, but also one that continues to build a trusted and transparent marketplace.”

During his keynote address at the NAAA/CAR/IARA event being held this week in Las Vegas, KAR Auction Services chief executive officer Jim Hallett said: “We believe this product will be better than anything currently offered in our industry today. 

“This is the type of solution our customers have been asking for, because it will provide maximum exposure for their vehicles.  It accomplishes what customers are looking for, which is, more eyeballs on cars and more choices for the dealer,” he continued. (KAR is the parent company of ADESA).

ServNet chairman R. Charles Nichols added: “On behalf of the 31 ServNet Auctions we are very pleased to participate in the multiplatform bidding project.  During the past year our commercial customers have been asking us as an industry to champion multiplatform listing and selling, and we are now on the verge of being able to execute on this technology.  I must say it has been quite an effort by all the major players in the remarketing industry to pull this together and it shows the resilience and commitment we all share to be responsive to our customers.”

Steve Krupa, president of Independent Auto Auction Services Corp., said: “As shareholders of AASC, the Independent Auto Auction Services Corp has been actively involved in, and strongly supports, the development of this very important initiative to create competitive bidding across multiple platforms. Our customers have been asking for a multiplatform option and AASC has the experience, technical expertise and the industry trust to help deliver a product that our customers want and deserve.”

Also commenting at the NAAA/CAR/IARA event, AASC president and chief executive officer of AASC Mike Broe said: “This multiplatform bidding solution will not only increase the transparency and efficiency of the automobile auction sector, but will also enhance competition to the benefit of customers. AASC is excited to build this industry-changing technology.”

It’s expected that a multiplatform bidding solution will be ready for a pilot program in the second half of the year, according to the steering committee.

Officials stressed in the announcement that this is an open initiative, commenced at the request of wholesale auto customers, and from the very start has been open to wholesale auto auction firms.