A winner of Auto Remarketing’s Certified Pre-Owned Dealer of the Year Award was the location for Manheim’s latest growth initiative in the Midwest.

In a move the company described as being “committed to meeting local dealer needs and establishing operations in underserved markets,” Manheim established Manheim Iowa, its first mobile auction site in the state. The company held its first sale on Dec. 2.

Despite the cold weather, 124 dealers participated in the sale, including 57 in-lane and 67 via digital channels. Of the 118 vehicles offered, more than half were sold, according to a Manheim news release.

“When Manheim approached me about hosting an auction, I felt it was a great opportunity,” said Carl Moyer, owner and dealer principal of Karl Chevrolet in Des Moines, Iowa, and recipient of the 2011 CPO accolade from Auto Remarketing.

“The Manheim brand is synonymous with quality, something I’ve spent 40 years building at Karl Chevrolet, so the partnership was a natural fit,” Moyer continued.

Manheim highlighted expansion of its mobile auction network into Iowa is part of a planned commitment to meeting local dealer needs and establishing operations in underserved markets. With the addition of the Des Moines sale, Manheim now operates mobile auctions in 25 states.

“The ideal mobile auction candidate will have at least 100 vehicles per sale,” said Greg Smith, director, mobile auctions and offsite solutions at Manheim. “Consignors such as Karl Chevrolet provide the vehicles and location, and our mobile auctions deliver a targeted buyer base while reducing the consignor’s transportation and travel costs.

“Manheim makes it easy and convenient for the dealer by bringing the auction to them,” Smith continued.

Manheim Iowa hosts its regular sale every other Monday at 3 p.m. CT. Manheim Iowa is located at 723 SW 8th Street in Stuart, Iowa.