Manheim Riverside in Riverside, Calif., hosted 62 members of the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the NAFA Fleet Management Association on June 10, the first time the location hosted this local chapter.

A record number of members attended, most experiencing their first visit to a wholesale car auction. They were divided into four tour groups, led by Manheim’s Scott Hurst, managing vice president, Southern California market; Chris Brown, general manager, Manheim Riverside; Jason Atley, commercial accounts manager, Manheim Riverside; and Dewey Short, manager of reconditioning at Manheim Riverside.

“The Manheim visit provided insight and a better understanding of auction operations to support the remarketing enterprise,” said Sherry Lewis, director, UCLA Fleet and Transit.

“Manheim sets the bar at a high level within the industry. Feedback from NAFA members and affiliates was overwhelmingly positive,” Lewis said. “This adds to the value of the learning opportunity through NAFA chapter meetings and site visits.”

The tour included attending the sale, visiting the recon and body shop and touring the VCI/Audi Technical Operations Center.

In addition, Alec Gutierrez Sr., analyst at Kelley Blue Book, presented an overview of the retail and wholesale marketplace, and participated in a panel discussion with Short and Mark Watson, ARI vehicle remarketing manager.

Also joining the meeting were Rich Coutu, vice president, commercial sales, and Lou Verrengia, vice president, national accounts.