ATLANTA -

Dealers in the Northeast have enough to worry about in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, and Manheim is looking to lighten their load during the next couple months.

Manheim is responding by offering flexibility to some policies, such as storage arrangements, “to help dealers during this challenging time.”

“We wanted to do what we could to address customer concerns about flood damage in severely affected areas while helping them prepare for the expected increase in demand for replacing damaged vehicles,” said Tim Janego, Manheim regional vice president, East.

Manheim also offered some insight into why it felt cutting dealers a break was of the essence.

According to Janego, Manheim is anticipating a significant rise in wholesale vehicle demand as analysts predict that retail sales will increase dramatically in the Northeast, further pushing wholesale prices to historic levels.

And this rise in wholesale prices is estimate to reach its first peak by the end of the year, the company predicts.

“As dealers look to purchase early and heavily to avoid the anticipated wholesale price increases coming in the next few months, lot storage may be a problem,” the company added.

Here are the changes Manheim will be implementing for the next eight weeks in an effort to help dealers impacted by the recent storm:

As for storage, the company is increasing the storage time limit at 11 locations to 30 days from the usual limits at no cost to the buyer, since the storm may have damaged dealer lots.

And like after any large storm, flood-damaged vehicles potentially heading back onto the market is a concern for all.

To ensure buyer confidence, effective immediately, “all dealer cars entering these locations that ordered a condition report will receive an additional inspection to detect flood damage.

“At Manheim locations in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast markets, this will enhance the customers’ ability to buy with confidence,” officials said.

Lastly, the company is offering a free Super Post Sale Inspection upgrade.
 
“Purchase a seven- or 14-day Post Sale Inspection and receive an additional three-day extension for November and December. There will be no additional cost to the buyer,” Manheim said.
 
The short-term policy changes listed above apply to the following locations:
 
Manheim New Jersey
Manheim Philadelphia
Manheim Fredericksburg
Manheim Baltimore-Washington
Manheim New England
Manheim New York Metro Skyline
Manheim New York
Manheim Albany
Manheim Pennsylvania
Manheim Central Pennsylvania
Manheim Harrisonburg