With the National Auto Auction Association’s annual conference about to start, Manheim highlighted the success of its fast-growing mobile auction network, which is now available in more than 10 states and expanding soon into Canada.

Even though the network has been operating for more than 10 years, Manheim highlighted dealers are still discovering this solution as a viable option for conducting business, one that extends their market reach and includes all the excitement of a physical auction but hosted locally on their own lots.

Furthermore, Manheim noted that participating sellers still are finding the sales to be beneficial because they’re attracting customers from previously underserved markets — buyers who now have access to inventory in their local area.

“Although we pioneered mobile auctions over 10 years ago, we’re seeing dealer demand for them starting to soar,” said Bonnie Hensler, vice president of Manheim Product Development. “Dealers tell us that this type of sales channel lets independents and other local buyers gain efficient access to their used vehicles, while benefitting from the many services that our physical auctions offer.”

Because Manheim’s mobile auction travels to a dealer’s lot, transportation and travel costs for dealers are reduced.  Most mobile auctions are facilitated via a converted RV trailer, using a satellite dish to enable the full Simulcast capability.

Manheim provides an auctioneer and staff while the dealer supplies the vehicle and the location. 

Manheim also provides the support services dealers have come to expect and appreciate, including financing, condition reports and post-sales inspections.  

A typical Manheim mobile auction will draw up to 90 live buyers and up to 50 off-site buyers, often international, via Simulcast.

“When we finally committed to Manheim and the mobile auction, we began to see results immediately,” said Don Allen, vice president at Jerry’s in Weatherford, Texas.  “Today, 10 years later, we sometimes need to have two sales per month in order to run all the cars.  The partnership we have formed with Manheim has been very beneficial for us.  We will sell approximately 200 vehicles at each mobile sale and with Manheim’s help, have very good participation from the wholesale dealers.”

The company added that the ideal seller candidate for a Manheim mobile auction is a dealer with a minimum of 100 vehicles for sale each month and requires turnover of at least that number 10 to 12 times a year. Manheim’s traditional auction fees will apply.