ATLANTA -

You could say cars really “took off” when they went over the block at a “soaring” special event Manheim recently hosted.

Emphasizing that it is easy for dealers to buy and sell inventory anytime and anywhere, Manheim San Diego recently partnered with Toyota / Lexus Financial Services to conduct the “Heroes of History” Event Sale on the retired aircraft carrier USS Midway.

Conducted on March 27, event highlights included:

—Drawing 215 dealer buyers to the Navy Pier and through Simulcast, 42 buyers purchased 100 percent of the 175 pre-owned, late model vehicles.

—Opportunity to view and bid on 143 Toyota and 32 Lexus high-quality units.

—177 Simulcast attendees, including 104 unique online users – nearly double the total of online participants compared to last year’s mobile sales.

—101 of 175 vehicles were sold online.

—16 new buyers to Manheim San Diego purchased 60 units

“We see Manheim as a valued strategic partner and we appreciate how it helps us provide excellent services to our dealers, especially as 2018 is a big year for lease returns,” said Mike Reid, national manager of the remarketing department at Toyota Financial Services. “Our sales event on the aircraft carrier was exciting and drew praise from many dealers who enjoyed the experience and business opportunity.”

Manheim recapped that it has hosted successful mobile sales at non-traditional locations ranging from a baseball stadium to a NASCAR race track and now an aircraft carrier. The company explained these special events allow dealers to extend their market reach using unique venues to produce the excitement and services offered by physical auction sites.

“Our digital and mobile channels give dealers the ability to conduct transactions on their own terms and benefit from efficiencies, cost savings and conveniences,” said Matt Laughridge, director of mobile auction sales and operations at Manheim. “Building on our positive track record, we have monthly mobile special events planned through the end of the year.”