FORT WORTH, Texas — On Thursday, AmeriCredit Corp. identified its top auction partner as a part of its nationwide Auction of Excellence program. Taking home the top award this year is Rawls Auto Auction in Leesville, S.C.

To decide the award, AmeriCredit representatives review the performance of participating auctions in a variety of categories, including customer service, marketing promotions, pre-sale activities and overall auction success.

"Everyone at Rawls works together to achieve success and to build a strong partnership with AmeriCredit on a daily basis," explained Dan Heinrich, AmeriCredit's vice president of asset remarketing.

"AmeriCredit sets high standards and Rawls surpassed our expectations with their innovative approach to selling vehicles," he continued. "They have built a strong foundation of loyal dealers. Consistency throughout the year in every aspect of their sales keeps Rawls at the top of our list."

Angela Williams, who was on hand to accept the award, pointed out, "We are honored to receive this award. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of each and every member of our staff. We value our relationship with AmeriCredit and appreciate this recognition."

Rawls received three quarterly Auction of Excellence awards from AmeriCredit in 2009, and previously won Auction of the Year in 2006.

As the top auction in the Southeast region, Rawls competed with other regional award winners for this year's national honor.

The other regional winners include:

Midwest: Grand Rapids Auto Auction, of Jenison, Mich.

Northeast: Mountain State Auto Auction, of Shinnston W.Va.

Southwest: Sparkling City, of Robstown, Texas

West Coast: Manheim Portland Auto Auction, of Portland, Ore.

For more information on AmeriCredit's auction partners and its program, visit http://auctions.americredit.com.