| -

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Owners of all 22 ServNet auctions recently reported first-quarter increases in both upstream and simulcast sales when compared to the same period in 2009.

Also during the meeting in Dallas, this group shared that it expects 2010 total sales soon will outpace what ServNet facilities compiled during all of last year.

Igniting this growth is increased activity across a variety of channels, including Auction Pipeline, OVE.com and SmartAuction. ServNet also highlighted the success of several simulcast technologies, OnLine Ringman, AWG and Live Global Bid.

"While our ServNet members have substantial investments in brick and mortar, each and every auction reported an increase in Internet sale activity in 2010, both on posting platforms and simulcast sales of vehicles offered in the auction lanes," highlighted ServNet chief executive officer Pierre Pons.

"The ServNet auction owners all recognize the importance of these sales strategies and have focused personnel and resources on the development and implementation of multiple Internet platforms," he continued.

"As a result, ServNet auctions have gained a competitive advantage in the marketplace, offering their customers the technology platform that best matches the specific vehicle portfolio," Pons added.

Jeff Brasher, ServNet president who also runs Brasher's Reno Auto Auction in Reno, Nev., shared his perspective about how this group of operations collectively performs.

"As independent auctions, we have the flexibility to offer both buyers and sellers a multiple channel approach when it comes to Internet technology," Brasher noted.

"It is apparent that certain channels work best for certain vehicles. We place vehicles on the channel that will maximize resale value, and at the same time offer our buying dealers inventory across a broad spectrum of technology platforms," he further explained.

Pons wrapped up the discussion about this ServNet growth by reinforcing the group's place in the wholesale market.

"ServNet auctions offer their customers a distinctly unique value proposition when it comes to Internet sales by their ability to access a variety of platforms, making available to individual customers the exact channel that best represents the vehicles being offered for sale," Pons declared.

"On static platforms, ServNet auctions can post vehicles on four different channels: Auction Pipeline, OVE.com, SmartAuction and OPENLANE," he reiterated.

"This is a service that the auction chains cannot offer because of their exclusive focus on their own internal Internet channels," Pons concluded.