On Friday, Cox Automotive announced that new tools offered by the OVE platform contributed to independent auction partners' double-digit growth in digital remarketing transactions over last year’s performance.

“The tangible items are not the most important part of these improvements, but rather the OVE team’s efforts to seek out and address our biggest needs,” said Brandon Bailey, director of online operations at Akron Auto Auctions. “The company took an active interest in independent auctions and let our voices be heard.”

Early this year, the company introduced OVE Two-Way Text Notifications allowing buyers and sellers to accept, decline or counter an offer by text message in real-time, as well as reply over the OVE online platform.

Dealers have the ability to perform inventory transactions on-the-go, which fosters more closed sales and stifles missed opportunities.

“We appreciate the insightful guidance that our independent auction partners provided during the planning and development of our product and service enhancements,” said Peter Lavallee, senior director of independent auctions for OVE, Cox Automotive and a featured speaker during the 2016 Used Car Week Conferences. “And, their enthusiasm for OVE offerings reinforces this win-win relationship.”

In August, OVE also launched the Live Bid & Offer Report, an additional tool to drive more transactions.

The twice daily report delivers a live view of offers and bids made by buyers and sellers, along with showing bidding activity by location. Access to this information makes auction users better prepared to cultivate deals between buyers and sellers who are close in price.

“I’m no longer worried about missing out on vehicles we have the ability to close deals on,” said Brain Michael, internet sales manager at Dealer’s Auto Auction of Chattanooga. "The report allows me to follow up with each of our locations to make sure all offers and bids are being handled.”

The OVE digital platform serves more than 150 independent auction locations.