ATLANTA -

Manheim met with 30 independent auctions last month during the National Remarketing Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz., to discuss some of the changing dynamics of the business, including recently released industry tools.

In discussing one of those solutions, the new AutoIMS Hub from Auto Auction Services Corp., the group came to a “universal consensus” that quick action is needed by AASC board members to make this solution “the central nervous system for multiplatform selling.”

The independent partners were offering their take on tools like AutoIMS Hub, which is an integrated system for managing inventory on digital channels and in-lane selling venues.

“Being able to offer inventory on multiple channels is becoming increasingly crucial for customers to stay competitive,” said Glenn O’Leary, Manheim’s director of independent auction relations. “The AutoIMS Hub makes managing different selling channels easy so dealers can focus on selling.”

Manheim president Sandy Schwartz began the fourth annual forum by delving into changes in the business, non-traditional competitors and multiplatform selling. Schwartz emphasized Manheim’s continued dedication to the National Auto Auction Association and the company’s independent auction partners.

“It’s important to conduct this event each year and to work with our independent auction advisory board to collaboratively discuss changing industry trends, determine how to sell more cars, hear the most pressing issues and see what we can do to relieve customer pain points and strengthen the partnerships,” said O’ Leary. “We are proud to support this mutually beneficial alliance, so that the NAAA and the independent auctions understand our unwavering commitment to them.”

The event also included a look at the inventory situation from Manheim chief economist Tom Webb, who said that 2013 levels will increase, ending a four-year inventory decline.

Featured at the end of the event was a discussion from Patrick Brennan, group vice president of Manheim Financial Services, and Dealer Services Corp. (of Indiana) president Brian Geitner, who talked about the plans for MFS and DSC integration.

At the reception to close the event, independent auction partners and Manheim executive vice president and chief operating officer Janet Barnard talked about utilizing the Manheim marketplace to foster strong results for partners and customers.

“Having face-to-face meetings with our partners allows us to receive feedback that we can use to produce solutions that directly address their needs,” said Jeff Roberts, Manheim’s manager of independent auction relations.

To see Auto Remarketing’s complete coverage of the NRC and all of Used Car Week — including photographs from the conferences — visit this link.  Additionally, the Jan. 15–31 print edition of Auto Remarketing will also include a photo spread with the action from Used Car Week, as well.