As part of its long-term growth strategy to invest in emerging markets, Manheim announced Tuesday that it has purchased a majority stake in CarBizz, an auction operation based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The company highlighted this investment in Brazil — what executives consider to have one of the fastest growing automotive markets — supports Manheim’s plan to expand its global footprint, while providing dealers with greater access to its broad range of remarketing services.

This deal marks Manheim’s first move into the Brazilian market.

Owned by SGC Investments, CarBizz specializes in the vehicle remarketing of used trucks and large fleets. CarBizz employs a staff of nearly 50 people and will be operated by Carlos Domingues, who will serve as general manager.

Domingues comes to CarBizz from Manheim Portugal’s Porto operating location, where he has served as auction manager since 2007. He has 15 years of auction experience, including the past seven with Manheim Portugal.

Domingues previously served as north sale manager for SLV, a Portuguese auction company acquired by Manheim International in 2007.

“We are excited for the opportunity to enter the Brazilian and South American markets,” said John Bailey, president of Manheim International within Cox Automotive.

“As a global vehicle remarketing leader, Manheim welcomes the opportunity to extend our brand and deliver results for our customer base,” Bailey added.

Manheim Statesville to Host Car Raffle In Support of Relay For Life

In the spirit of giving back to the local community, Manheim Statesville employees have formed a team to participate in the local American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

In addition to participation in the annual Relay For Life, the employees have organized a raffle that will also raise funds to benefit the charity.

“We are so pleased that the employees of Manheim Statesville have dedicated their time and resources to support Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society,” said Brooke Moose, senior manager for the Relay For Life in the South Atlantic Division of the American Cancer Society.

“With so many worthy charities in greater Charlotte and North Carolina, we are honored to receive their commitment,” Moose continued. “This fundraiser will support services and programs for individuals with cancer and their caregivers along with cancer research.” 

An American Cancer Society fundraiser, Relay For Life events are organized, overnight community fundraising walks that teams of people participate in as team members take turns walking around the track.

Relay For Life events in the Statesville, N.C., area are held annually during the third weekend in May.

Since 1985, Relay For Life participants have raised more than $5 billion, according to officials, who added more than 1.7 million participants and 150,000 teams are projected to raise $305 million this year.

The American Cancer Society said this year’s funds are expected to help save more than 250,000 lives in 2014.

As part of the fundraiser for Relay for Life, a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo LT will be awarded at the conclusion of the raffle. Tickets are available at a cost of $20 for one, $100 for six and $200 for 13 tickets.

Contact Luann McLeod at Manheim Statesville at (704) 876-1111 or luann.mcleod@manheim.com to purchase tickets with cash, check or credit card. The drawing will be held at Manheim Statesville on Aug. 29 at noon ET.

“We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life,” Manheim Statesville general manager Joey Hughes said. “I am proud of our employees for continuing this tradition in support of this worthy cause.”

Manheim Statesville employees first began supporting Relay For Life last year and participated in Relay For Life held at the Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman, N.C., in May that raised $13,644.  

6 Classic Sports Cars on List at Manheim PA’s Next Public Sale

As a part of the auction’s public sale of vehicles offered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Manheim Central Pennsylvania plans to run a half dozen classic sports cars down the lanes that might pique dealer interest.

Among the classic vehicle included in the lineup of 400 units are:

— 1966 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible

— 1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS Clone

— 1987 Buick GNX

— 1988 Ford Mustang Convertible

— 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK500

— 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The public sale also includes of variety of compacts, midsize cars, trucks and SUVs from Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Chrysler.

The event is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19 with preview days running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 15 through Aug. 18.

For more details, contact Manheim Central Pennsylvania at (717) 469-7900.