FREDERICK, Md. -

Seen as a culmination of much effort by its membership, the National Auto Auction Association said last week that the official introduction of its National Certification Standard Program will come on Jan. 1.

For the first time in the 72-year history of auctions, NAAA says there will be a uniform system for the wholesale certification of used vehicles.

The association explained the program offers three levels — Platinum, Gold and Silver — to handle the needs of a broad range of vehicle types and consigners’ portfolios. Officials indicated a concise list of 48 basic criteria is meant to provide in clear, straightforward language a system that can address vehicle selection and well-defined requirements for inspection, reconditioning and marketing.

NAAA insisted its more than 300 members recognized the need for certification standards and developed the program after extensive research, careful deliberation and industry-wide input. Association leadership believes the NCS embodies an industry consensus and has received the endorsement of the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance.

“NCS is the product of much time, thought and effort contributed by many hard-working individuals to create a streamlined, consistent set of standards for certifying vehicle quality that’s fair to all involved in remarketing,” stated NAAA executive director Frank Hackett.

“And while comprehensive in its scope, we designed the program to be an easy-to-use tool that requires only a minimal investment of time for both training and application by auction staff,” Hackett continued.

David Munnikhuysen, vice president of strategic initiatives for Manheim who serves on the NAAA standard’s committee, said implementing the NCS program shouldn’t present a challenge to the association’s members.

“Our member auctions use good common sense every day in resolving subjective evaluations of damages and defects in everything from writing condition reports to arbitration decisions and we’re confident that we can use that same approach in reaching consistent policy interpretations concerning our new certification program,” Munnikhuysen emphasized.

NAAA’s standards committee is set to monitor the performance of the entire program. The association mentioned this group also plans to respond to any areas of common concern from customers and help guide member auctions toward consistent interpretations.

Hackett contends the ultimate goal of the program goes beyond just certifying and identifying vehicles with a seal of quality.

“NCS promotes and builds greater understanding, trust and confidence among auctions, buyers and sellers — which translates into increased benefits for all in the auto auction industry,” he stressed. “We believe NAAA Certified means better business practices for better business success.”

The two-page NSC document is available at this page of NAAA’s website.