Continuing the theme of digital proliferation in the automotive industry, The Appraisal Lane announced Wednesday that the Gettel Automotive Group in Florida is the newest dealer group to put the company’s trade and communications platform solutions to task.
Gettel has rolled out the The Appraisal Lane system across all 11 of its dealerships in the Sarasota, Bradenton, Gainesville, and Ocala markets of the Sunshine State.
With TAL’s solution, Gettel’s employees can now post pre-owned inventory and receive quick cash offers from TAL’s network of appraisers.
“We’re extremely pleased to support Gettel Automotive Group’s daily business operations, and we look forward to improving its business and enhancing its consumer offerings,” said Jeff Risner, TAL’s co-founder and chief executive officer. “Until now, the wholesale used-car appraisal and acquisition process was inefficient. The Appraisal Lane is transforming this process by providing dealers like Gettel with the most accurate used-car offers, quickly and easily, in a fully optimized mobile platform that makes it easy for them to conduct business virtually anywhere, at any time.”
Kurt Fisher, Gettel’s pre-owned vehicle operations manager, says he looks forward to the future business opportunities that TAL brings to his business in the form of increased sales and improved customer service.
“There’s a confidence level and validation that comes with using The Appraisal Lane platform to put the most accurate numbers on our used-car inventory, and on hot trades when the customer is physically sitting at the sales desk ready to transact,” Fisher said. “In addition to accurately valuing our full spectrum of used inventory, and getting cash offers in the process, The Appraisal Lane enables us to move aged inventory much faster than before. It has been a great tool for us so far.”
For those unfamiliar with The Appraisal Lane’s offerings, at its core, dealers and auctions can utilize TAL in three different ways:
- Submit vehicles for appraisal. Whether those are pending trade-ins, stubborn vehicles on the lot that are proving to be a tough sell, cars that didn’t sell on the auction block, or anything in between. Depending on the situation, TAL will respond with a cash offer within 10 to 15 minutes. Many times, those cash offers stem from outside buyers, which typically include dealer or auction partners.
- Buying cars. TAL has partnerships with many dealerships and a handful of auctions, some of which only utilize TAL services to buy inventory.
- White label customers. Dealerships or dealer groups seeking to utilize the TAL platform to power their own internal trade network can license a solution from TAL.
TAL is optimized for mobile use – appraisal submissions, purchase offers and communications between dealers, appraisers and wholesale buyers can be managed completely from a phone, tablet or computer. It tracks sales info, like costs, transportation, and profit and loss information, along with fulfillment channels through which used-vehicles are sold, including direct-to-dealer, physical auctions and online auctions.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg — stay tuned to upcoming digital and print editions of Auto Remarketing as we take an up-close and personal look at some of the other digital pioneers in the industry.
Among the many auction awards presented during the National Auto Auction Association’s 67th annual convention in Orlando earlier this month includes the newest addition to the association’s Hall of Fame.
Joining the prestigious group is Jay Cadigan, Manheim’s vice president of industry relations, who began his career four decades ago by working at a car dealership during high school and college.
Cadigan has served as an executive in both the corporate auction and the leasing and rental car remarketing businesses while also filling volunteer leadership roles as a NAAA member.
"It's our pleasure and privilege to honor Jay for his hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence," said Frank Hackett, NAAA chief executive officer. "He's a strong believer in the association and what its members can accomplish working together. His efforts have made a positive impact on the remarketing world and provide an outstanding example of professional achievement to future generations in our business."
Cadigan served as the NAAA president in 2010-2011 as well as filling the positions of vice president, chairman of the board and currently executive vice president. He is also a former president of the Eastern Auto Auction Association.
Cadigan earned his bachelor’s degree in management from St. Mary’s College of California in 1976 before joining Avis Car Leasing. At the latter he served in numerous positions, including national auto auction sales manager, which opened his eyes to the larger auction industry. He later worked for Hertz Car Leasing as its national retail sales manager and the car manager for New York Zone before moving to US Fleet Leasing in San Mateo, Calif. as its vice president of car sales.
He joined the Golden Gate Auto Auction in 1989 and eventually became its assistant general manager. He moved to Skyline Auto Auction four years later, where he filled the role of general manager before the auction became Manheim NY Metro Skyline. During those 11 years at Skyline, Cadigan also served as the general manager of the Port Newark facility.
Avis Budget Group announced on Tuesday that more than 3,000 dealers have registered to date to participate in Avis Direct, the company's used-vehicle sales program designed exclusively for licensed dealers.
Launched in February of last year, Avis Direct is designed to provide dealers with a dedicated website to buy late-model, off-rental vehicles from the Avis, Budget, Payless and Zipcar brands — with no enrollment or purchase fees.
“Avis Direct was designed to provide dealers with a direct, easy, fast and no-fee way to purchase our high-quality used vehicles, while providing us with a way to maximize the financial return from our vehicle sales and minimize our fleet costs," said Michael Schmidt, senior vice president of fleet services at Avis Budget Group.
“We’re excited that, in less than two years, more than 3,000 dealers have enrolled in the program,” Schmidt continued. “The initiative is proving to be a great alternative distribution channel for vehicle disposition, and a success in terms of our strategic goal of driving efficiency throughout the organization.”
Avis Direct can enables dealers to purchase Avis Budget Group's used vehicles at many locations across the United States. Dealers also can benefit from online photos and independent third-party condition reports.
Furthermore, regional consultants are available to assist with the purchase process.
For more information, dealers should visit www.avisdirect.com or call (855) 289-2847.
Barrett-Jackson finished what the company considered to be one of the strongest years in its history following the eighth annual Las Vegas Auction this past weekend at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas auction enjoyed a 98 percent sell-through rate with sales totaling more than $26.9 million and $750,000 raised for charity.
“Ending with a successful event in Las Vegas made 2015 one of the strongest auction years in terms of overall sales and attendance for Barrett-Jackson,” said Barrett-Jackson chairman and chief executive officer Craig Jackson.
“We kicked off the year with our Scottsdale auction featuring the Ron Pratte Collection, one of the broadest and most eclectic collections in the world,” Jackson continued. “It was also our debut broadcast on Discovery and Velocity.
“The momentum from Scottsdale continued to build throughout the year and we look forward to bringing the excitement that only our events can deliver to fans next year as part of our 45th anniversary,” he went on to say.
The top five vehicles sold during the Las Vegas auction include:
— 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88 – $330,000 (Lot No. 738)
— 2005 Ford GT – $291,500 (Lot No. 711)
— 1966 Ford Fairlane 500 R-Code – $275,000 (Lot No. 743 and world record at auction
— 2012 Falcon Series 1F7 VIN 001 – $198,000 (Lot No. 724)
— 1962 Chevrolet Corvette 430 Custom Convertible – $192,500 (Lot NO. 742)
“Our Las Vegas auction creates an electric atmosphere that is perfect for the Entertainment Capital of the World,” Barrett-Jackson president Steve Davis said.
“We’re especially proud of the role Barrett-Jackson plays in the support of charities that benefit wonderful organizations across the country,” Davis continued. “With all the generosity of our bidders, we raised $750,000 in support of the Fisher House Foundation, College for Creative Studies and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.”
The three charity cars that sold for charity during the Las Vegas auction included:
— 2013 Chevrolet Camaro COPO #005 – $115,000 (Lot No. 3000) to benefit the Fisher House Foundation
— 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 – $135,000 (Lot No. 3001) to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
— 2016 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R Z06 VIN 001 – $500,000 (Lot No. 3002) to benefit the College for Creative Studies
On Saturday, the Barrett-Jackson executive team along with officials from Mohegan Sun took center stage to announce Barrett-Jackson’s first auction in the Northeast. The new auction will take place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn., on June 23-25.
“Our Mohegan Sun auction is an exciting step for growing the collector car hobby,” said Jackson. “People have been eager for a Barrett-Jackson auction near major metropolitan markets like New York and Boston. A world-class facility like Mohegan Sun is perfectly situated to bring all of the Barrett-Jackson action to the Northeast corridor.”
The 45th anniversary Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction will be held Jan. 23-31 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Coverage of the Scottsdale auction will be broadcast live on Velocity and Discovery.
To consign a vehicle, click here. For more information on becoming a bidder, go to www.Barrett-Jackson.com/Bidder/Home.
Auction volume this year will likely exceed 9 million units and climb 7 percent over 2014 numbers, according to National Auto Auction Association economist Ira Silver.
During a presentation at the association’s convention last week in Orlando, Fla., Silver said auction volume should reach 9.3 million units for 2015, followed by 4-percent growth and 9.7 million units for 2016.
Meanwhile, the past two years have been interesting in the sense that both commercial and dealer consignment have increased, Silver said. And last year marked the first time in six years that commercial consignment climbed at a higher clip the dealer consignment.
Silver expects commercial consignment “to continue strong into 2016” and likely for years to come. As for dealer consignment, Silver is projecting “slower growth, but still positive” movement.
Elsewhere at NAAA, Auto Remarketing was provided a copy of the midyear issue of Pulse from ADESA Analytical Services.
That report indicates that year-to-date auction sales volume for dealer consignors is up 5.2 percent through June, while OEM sales at auction are up 52.2 percent and fleet/lease/other is up 5.8 percent.*
Another interesting tidbit from Pulse on auction volume was a chart at the back of the wholesale section of the book.
The chart lists 11 indicators (seven from the new-car side, four from the used-car market). With each indicator is the latest movement or trending within that indicator and the impact it has on remarketing volumes and prices, respectively.
Looking solely at the remarketing volume column, seven of the 11 indicators had positive impacts on volume. Here’s an abridged version to recap the volume-specific data ADESA provides.
Listed below are the 11 indicators, their latest movement or trend and the remarketing industry implication on volume. **
New-Vehicle Sales (Indicator: Latest Movement, Implication on Volume)
Retail Sales: Up, Positive
Fleet Sales (e.g. rental cos.): Up, Positive
Leasing: Up, Positive
Inventories: Up (modestly), Positive
Incentives: Stable, Negative
Dealer Profits: Down, Negative
Transaction Prices: Up, Positive
Used-Vehicle Sales (Indicator: Latest Movement, Implication on Volume)
Retail Sales: Up, Positive
Retail Prices: Up, Positive
Inventories: Up, Negative
Dealer Profits: Down, Negative
SOURCE: ADESA Analytical Services
**Note: ADESA notes in the report that remarketing impacts “may occur in future periods or span multiple periods and fluctuations within those periods are expected.”
*Note: The Pulse numbers are generated via AuctionNet data, report authors indicate, noting that these numbers could differ from what the National Auto Auction Association’s annual auction industry survey generates.
CarMax president and chief executive officer Tom Folliard likes how the company is positioned to take advantage of the swelling projection of off-lease vehicles expected to fill the auction lanes next year and beyond.
During the company’s most recent conference call, Folliard was asked to compare how CarMax will leverage this chance as compared to a decade ago when the off-lease vehicle market jumped by these expected levels. To recap, Used Car Week featured speaker Joe Derkos, director of the Power Information Network, a division of J.D. Power and Associates, placed his expectations of around an 800,000-unit increase in lease maturity wholesale volume in 2016.
“In terms of our capabilities, we are much more organized today than we were 10 years ago,” Folliard said. “We’re much more analytical about the way we approach car buying at the auction, and I think we’re in a better position today to optimize the inventory that we acquire at the auction because of all the analytics that we’ve put into it and all the digital capabilities that we’ve given our buyers.
“Our buyers are now all using tablets at the auctions,” he continued. “We’re tracking every single car that a buyer at CarMax looks at while at the auction and deciding whether or not that car is worthy. Then the next time a buyer goes to the auction, they don’t have to look at that same car and we’re saving an enormous amount of time in evaluating cars at the auction.
“We have all the auctions on a program where the CarMax buyers are buying under one kind of generic card, and we can analytically decide where those cars go later,” Folliard continued.
That strategy for acquiring inventory evidently is appealing to CarMax buyers. Company dealerships turned 156,516 units during Q2 and 321,026 units at the halfway point of its current fiscal year. Both figures represented a 9.2-percent gain year-over-year.
And it appears CarMax will continue to have buyers in the lanes securing inventory for the company’s network of dealerships, which is expected to expand by 14 during its current fiscal year and by 13 to 16 stores in each of the following two fiscal years.
“If you back up 10 or 15 years, we used to buy on a store-by-store basis, so I’m really pleased with the progress we’ve made in our ability to analyze and purchase inventory,” Folliard said.
“I really do think that leasing provides a more organized way because you’ll see a lot of the big leasing companies will run hundreds and hundreds of cars a week on a very regular basis at the auction,” he continued. “It’s pretty predictable and we have the ability to look at that inventory in advance and decide which ones we are or are not going to bid on.”
Following AutoNation’s strategy
Earlier this month, AutoNation made a major procedure change, announcing a policy not to sell, lease or wholesale any new or used vehicle that has an open safety recall.
The dealer group indicated this policy will apply to each one of AutoNation's 293 vehicle franchises across the United States and stands as a “confirmation of the company's commitment to delivering a peerless customer experience.”
In light of CarMax having the same kind of footprint, Wall Street observers asked Folliard if a similar pivot was in the works regarding recalled units. Folliard explained how CarMax is in the different position than AutoNation, which has a wide array of franchised stores to handle recall repairs. Meanwhile, CarMax only has two franchised dealerships in its entire portfolio, a pair of Toyota rooftops.
So as large as CarMax is, Folliard reiterated that it has to get recall work completed just like the smallest independent dealer — send that vehicle to the appropriate franchised store.
“Well, it is a concern. We’ve talked about it at length,” Folliard said about recalled vehicles. “It’s something that we’re always trying to do what’s the most transparent thing that we can do for our customers.”
“We think the most important thing is to make sure that customers are fully informed of whether or not there’s an open recall on the car and also how important it is to register on a manufacturer’s website. We may sell them a car and a week later a recall may come out, and if they haven’t registered with the manufacturer, then they won’t ever know about that,” he continued.
“Every customer that buys a car at CarMax is made aware in several different points of the transaction about recalls,” Folliard went on to say. “We have a direct link on our website to the NHTSA database. It automatically populates the VIN for the customer so they can see exactly what’s going on with that individual car, and then at the point of sale our sales consultants are walking through with the customer exactly what I just said — whether or not the call has a open recall, and the importance of registering with the manufacturer on their website so they can be notified of recalls going forward.”
CarMax hiring for more than 2,000 positions
In other company news following its Q2 financial performance update, CarMax indicated that it is recruiting for more than 2,000 positions in locations across the country. Officials mentioned the majority of open positions are in service operations (detailers, experienced technicians) and sales, with additional positions in purchasing and the business office. Positions range from full and part-time, with day and evening shifts available.
“Behind every CarMax stress-free customer experience is a dedicated, hard-working team of associates,” Folliard said. “We place a strong focus on providing developmental opportunities for everyone in the company, and on taking care of our associates by offering a healthy work-life balance and excellent benefits.”
Some of the areas with a large number of service job openings include:
— Austin, Fort Worth and Houston, Texas
— Laurel, Md.
— Memphis, Tenn.
— Greensboro, N.C.
— Lancaster, Pa.
— Parker, Colo.
— Louisville, Ky.
— Newark, N.J.
In addition, CarMax is currently hiring for its first Boston-area stores in Danvers, Mass., and Norwood, Mass., which will open in December.
CarMax offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, paid time off, insurance and disability, and retirement options for full-time associates. The company also offers competitive pay and promotes a diverse work environment. Stores are equipped with climate controlled, state-of-the-art service bays with quality equipment. Employees receive discounts on vehicle purchases and other services.
“Our associates experience a workplace full of opportunities for skill development, award-winning training, advancement, and recognition for performance,” said Tracey Shoemaker, director of talent acquisition for CarMax.
“Team-oriented, dependable candidates who are ready to join the CarMax family should apply now,” Shoemaker continued.
On the heels of Auction Edge making a major acquisition announcement, KAR Auction Services indicated on Thursday that subsidiary Openlane agreed to build a private label website for Auction Edge, utilizing Openlane’s proprietary technology platform.
The companies highlighted the private label website created for Auction Edge will be known as the EDGE Marketplace, which has been in the works since early 2014.
KAR explained Openlane will be delivering to Auction Edge and its member auctions a customized version of its online auction system already used by commercial consignors, dealers and a number of ADESA and Auction Edge’s mutual customers.
“We are honored that Auction Edge has chosen Openlane to create this online selling tool for its almost 200 member auctions,” said Peter Kelly, president of KAR’s Digital Services Group, which includes Openlane.
“These auctions will now be able to sell their vehicles on the industry’s premier private label platform,” Kelly continued.
By working with Openlane, Auction Edge member auctions will be offering vehicles for sale on an online auction interface that is well known to dealers who are accustomed to buying vehicles at ADESA.com and on more than 30 private label websites powered by Openlane’s technology platform.
“A private label platform has been in our plans for some time,” Auction Edge president Scott Finkle said. “Utilizing Openlane’s technology is a win-win-win for the Auction Edge auctions, their selling consignors and their buying dealers.”
Auction Edge is expected to offer this private label program to independent auctions in early 2016.
On Wednesday, Auction Edge not only shared another update about the EDGE Marketplace, but the company also revealed plans to to purchase Auto Auction Solutions of Pensacola, Fla., in a deal is expected to close Oct. 30.
A few handfuls of auctions were honored Wednesday at the NAAA Convention, as NextGear Capital, Enterprise Holdings and Chase Auto Finance revealed annual award winners. Plus, several more awards were announced at the NAAA's Opening Luncheon.
Winning NextGear’s third annual Auction Partner Awards, which recognize independent auctions, were:
- Operational Excellence Award: Acadia Auto Auction in Richmond, Maine
- Operational Excellence Award: Rochester-Syracuse Auto Auction in Waterloo, N.Y.
- Operational Excellence Award: Oklahoma Auto Exchange in Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Operational Excellence Award: Lynnway Auto Auction in North Billerica, Mass.
- Remarketer of the Year: Tallahassee Auto Auction in Tallahassee, Fla.
The Operational Excellence Award goes to facilities that are top-notch in terms of efficiency, sales retention, overall operational performance and responding effectively to NextGear’s needs.
The Remarketer of the Year award is given to the auction with the highest percentage of sales recovered based on percentage of valuation of each vehicle, the best throughput performance and the best sales follow-up (i.e. timing on getting sales process to NextGear).
“We’ve fostered many relationships with auctions over the years, helping make the floor plan process simple and efficient,” said Brian Geitner, president of NextGear.
“However, we recognize that these relationships are a two-way street, and we wouldn’t be who we are today without the dedication, attention to detail and customer-centric focus of our auction partners,” he added.
Chase’s auction awards
On Wednesday, Chase Auto Finance revealed its 2014-2015 Chase Cup for Auction Excellence winners.
Earning honors in the 17th annual Chase Cup — which recognizes top performances in retention, operational efficiency, expense control, accuracy, sales and service delivery — were:
- Manheim Minneapolis: Best National Auction Performance; Best Regional Performance, Midwest
- ADESA Cincinnati/Dayton: Douglas F. Wininger Memorial Award for Best National Performance Service Delivery
- Manheim Seattle: Best Regional Performance, West; Best National Mazda Sales
- Manheim Pennsylvania: Best National Jaguar Sales
- Manheim Riverside: Best National Land Rover Sales
- Brasher’s Salt Lake Auto Auction: Best National Subaru Sales
- Manheim Pittsburgh: Best Regional Performance, Northeastern
- ADESA Lexington: Best Regional Performance, Southeastern
- ADESA Kansas City: Best Regional Performance, Central
To select the winners, Chase reviewed the 31 auctions with which it does business from August 2014 through July of this year, examining how these auctions handled preparation, sales, invoice processing, transport requests, title processing and other capabilities.
“Each year, the Chase Cup aims to honor high-performing auto auctions across the country that display operational excellence and outstanding customer service,” said Sandra Broderick, head of operations for Chase Auto Finance. “These auctions are the best of the best.”
Enterprise gives out 14 Auction Achievement Awards
Enterprise Holdings, which operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands, announced it is honoring 14 U.S. auto auctions with its 2015 Auction Achievement Awards.
The company said this annual program works to recognize auction partners that “have gone above and beyond” to support Enterprise Holdings’ remarketing strategy.
“At Enterprise Holdings, we offer a diverse range of late-model, well-maintained vehicles that reflect the preferences of our consumers. Most of the products we bring to the market are low mileage, serviced regularly, in great condition and provide a great deal of diversity with regards to make, model and trim level,” said Nate Lattimer, vice president of vehicle remarketing at Enterprise Holdings, in a recent Auto Remarketing Q&A.
“Local auctions are an important component of our remarketing strategy. With nearly a million vehicles across the country, we rely on our local auction partners to help us maximize our opportunities and showcase our vehicles in front of as many buyers as possible in all the cities and regions we serve,” he continued. “This year’s Auction Achievement Award winners play a crucial role in these efforts, and we’re thrilled to salute and thank them for their outstanding performance.”
Enterprise presents the awards in two categories: whole-car auctions and damaged-vehicle auctions.
Recipients are honored for exceptional performance in the areas of communication, customer service, marketing and reconditioning, operational success and strategic planning.
The 2015 Auction Achievement Award winners in the whole-car category are:
• ADESA Atlanta
• ADESA Los Angeles
• Manheim Georgia (Atlanta)
• Manheim Nevada (Las Vegas)
• Manheim Omaha
• Manheim Pennsylvania (Manheim, Pa.)
• Manheim Riverside (Riverside, Calif.)
• Manheim Southern California (Fontana, Calif.)
• Manheim Texas Hobby (Houston)
The 2015 Auction Achievement Award winners in the damaged-vehicle category are:
• Dealers AA of the Rockies (Denver)
• IAA Dallas/Fort Worth
• Manheim Central California – TRA (Fresno, Calif.)
• Manheim TRA Tampa
• Metro Salvage Pool (Des Moines, Iowa)
“Because our regional Enterprise teams work so regularly with local auction operators, they’re well-positioned to nominate candidates for the Auction Achievement Awards,” Lattimer said. “These local partnerships are critical to our success. When our auction partners win, we win, too.”
NAAA awards at annual luncheon
Also during the convention Wednesday was the Opening Luncheon, where several awards were handed out, as well.
Presenting the NIADA Auto Auction of the Year was NIADA chief executive officer Steve Jordan, who recognized ADESA Tampa and its general manager Curtis Farris.
Next up, the Bernie Hart Memorial Auctioneer of the Year Award went to John Nicholls, president of the Nicholls Auction Marketing Group, who was presented the award from his father Charles Nicholls, who founded the company and is chairman of its board.
NAAA's Industry Pioneer Award went to Gregg Kobel, who was the 2007 president of the NAAA.
Along with naming a top executive for EDGE Marketplace, Auction Edge announced on Wednesday that it entered into an agreement to purchase Auto Auction Solutions of Pensacola, Fla., in a deal that is expected to close Oct. 30.
Company officials highlighted Auto Auction Solutions will operate as a division of Auction Edge called EDGE AAS with now former Auto Auction Solutions president Kathy Williamson assuming the position of division vice president reporting to Auction Edge president Scott Finkle.
Finkle highlighted the acquisition further strengthens the already significant network of independent auctions using Auction Edge’s suite of integrated products that range from line-of-business applications to online platforms.
“The addition of Auto Auction Solutions to Auction Edge’s portfolio significantly expands our footprint of independent wholesale and public auctions, and provides tremendous opportunity for Auction Edge to grow its online platforms including EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout,” Finkle said.
Finkle insisted that the expectation is the Auto Auction Solutions system, team and customers to be "first-class citizens" in the Auction Edge ecosystem as the company plans to invest significant resources to add new auctions, scale the platform and support all necessary integrations with industry partners.
Williamson explained that becoming part of a larger organization will allow Auto Auction Solutions to realize its full potential as the system is enhanced to support larger auctions and additional partner integrations.
“We are pleased to become part of a larger technology group with a vision for where they want to grow both their product offerings and business,” Williamson said.
“We know our existing customers will benefit from the investment Auction Edge will make in the Auto Auction Solutions system,” she continued. “We have worked with the team at Auction Edge for years, and are confident in their vision and leadership.”
The company pointed out Williamson will continue leading software development as well as handling day-to-day operations of the group. Meanwhile, Eric Williamson will assume the position of director, client services and will be in charge of installations, training and support.
Auction Edge went on to mention that having a modern, PC-based auction management system will make it easier for more auctions to become part of the Edge network at a price point that makes sense for them.
“It’s important for independent auctions to have options when it comes to auction management systems,” said auction owner Dave Angelicchio of Winchester Auto Auction, a current customer of Auto Auction Solutions and a subscriber of EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout services..
“One size does not fit all, and the fact that Auto Auction Solutions will be enhanced to work better with EDGE Pipeline, EDGE Simulcast and EDGE Lookout. It’s just a win-win for everyone,” added Angelicchio, who previously was president of the National Auto Auction Association.
For more details about Auction Edge and its products and services, call (206) 858-4800 or go to www.AuctionEdge.com.
Auction Edge taps VP for Edge Marketplace
Auction Edge also revealed on Wednesday that the company added Colette Marcilliat as vice president, EDGE Marketplace. The company indicated Marcilliat will focus her extensive online experience in the remarketing industry on developing the strategy to launch EDGE Marketplace, an online platform built with Openlane to provide an online auction channel to EDGE Pipeline customers.
Marcilliat brings more than two decades of executive marketing and sales leadership with companies such as ADESA, Openlane, Manheim OVE, Onlane and AutoTradeCenter. The vast majority of her experience is the crafting of vehicle remarketing channels and growth of online sales.
“From launching the industry’s first private label website to holding key leadership roles across both auction and internet remarketing providers, Marcilliat has a rich history of championing the successful transition from brick and mortar auctions to web enabled marketplaces,” Finkle said.
“We know that the addition of Colette to the Auction Edge team will advance the sales opportunities and capabilities of the independent auctions and all of the customers they serve,” Finkle continued.
Marcilliat added, “I am so excited to join the expert team at Auction Edge whose sole pursuit has been the provisioning of a full range of products and services that give the independent auctions every competitive advantage of operational ease and robust sales channels in the vehicle wholesale arena.
“I look forward to serving our member auctions and working with our many industry partners to continue that pursuit,” she went on to say.
EDGE Marketplace is expected to launch in 2016.
It’s only Day 1 of the NAAA Convention and there have already been big stories coming out of the auction world as the convention hotel stirs with more activity. The latest are two industry awards that the association shared Tuesday.
NAAA announced its Marie Hingst Exhibitor of the Year for 2015, awarding the honors to Ron Hope, president and chief executive officer of CARS Recon, Inc.
NAAA said the award is meant to recognize exhibitors who show “a similar dedication and commitment” to the association as Marie Hingst, who won the first award in 2006.
Also revealed today were two new NAAA Warren Young Fellows: Matt Arias, director of arbitration for Manheim and NAAA’s Auction Standards Committee chairman, and Brian Geitner, the president of NextGear Capital.
This award spotlights industry professionals for their personal achievements and for how they have contributed to the auction business.
A total of 88 people have now won this award.
Today also included some news from BSC America. Its Bel Air Auto Auction has broken grown on its new facility in nearby Riverside, Md.
The auction held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 16 for the new facilities, which will tout a 75,000-square-foot, 10-lane auction facility, as well as a 35,000-square-foot mechanical and body shop.
Elsewhere, XLerate Group, formerly known as American Auto Auction Group, announced the addition of two experienced and respected individuals in the remarketing industry to its corporate sales team.
On Tuesday, the company promoted Kelly McAllister as director of business development, joining XLerate’s newest hire Julie Heichel, who will be director of sales operations.
Both McAllister and Heichel will report to senior vice president of sales Pat Dudash.
And in some news that includes our neighbors to the north, ADESA subsidiary AutoVIN chose what it dubbed to be a seasoned and experienced leadership team on Tuesday for the company’s expanded operations in Canada and the U.S.
Officials highlighted the AutoVIN leadership team now is led by Richard Carpentier, chief operating officer and senior vice president of operations across North America.
A familiar name in the remarketing and vehicle inspection industries in Canada, Carpentier will oversee all aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations in Canada and the United States, including field operations, call centers, quality assurance teams, client relations and business development. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, managing operations and business development teams for inspection companies, first for Quadrex/Manders and later for DataScan.
Carpentier most recently held the position of managing director for DataScan’s Canadian operations. Carpentier will report to Trevor Henderson, chief operating officer for ADESA Canada.
