In light of COVID-19 concerns, Manheim is shifting to Simulcast-only sales at all of its auction locations. The move was effective Monday and runs through April 3.

Manheim, which said in a letter from president Grace Huang that there are currently “no known confirmed cases of COVID-19” among its workforce, said its physical auctions and digital channels are “fully operational” for buyers and sellers to continue business, but they will have do so digitally.

In a phone interview Monday, Huang said there will be no buyers allowed in the lanes and that all vehicles will be sold via postcard sales.

The company is waiving all Simulcast buy and Simulcast sales success fees during this period.

On non-sale days, Manheim auction locations will remain open to sellers and buyers and operate normally. However, people are asked to maintain social distance.

“During sale day, seller representatives will be allowed to represent their vehicles, but we encourage all seller representatives to use our online seller tools,” Huang said in the letter. “Buyers may view vehicles on the lot but are asked to respect social distancing. However, buying dealers will not be allowed to enter the physical auction buildings or lanes during sale day.”

During the phone interview, Huang added that seller representatives are asked to leave the auctions after their cars run.

There will also be remote blocks available for seller reps that decide not to attend in-person. Auction staff will remain working inside, but are asked to maintain social distance.

Manheim has been preparing and investing in its digital capabilities for years, Huang said by phone.

With the technology up and running, Huang said Manheim was able to make the decision to go all-Simulcast with the course of several hours.

“At the end of the day, it came down to safety,” she said.

Eliminating large gatherings, like an auction sale day, was a way for the auction company to do its part, Huang said.

The all-Simulcast sales begin today, with Manheim North Carolina and Manheim Statesville first on deck.

“Working with our parent company Cox Enterprises, we continue to monitor the latest information from the CDC and WHO and state and public health agencies. As COVID-19 developments continue to evolve daily, we are reviewing our entire auction network for further operational actions — with safety guiding our every move,” Huang said in the letter.

In addition to the Simulcast-only sales, Manheim is also taking the following steps, as outlined in the letter:

• Having protocols in place to activate closures, deep cleanings and appropriate quarantine procedures should the need arise
• Halting all food service in our lanes and lots
• Extending cleaning crew hours
• Sending ongoing communications to team members to follow CDC sanitation guidelines
• Posting signs to remind team members, clients and visitors to wash and sanitize their hands often
• Any team members who feel ill are instructed to not report for work and communicate with their managers.

Given the fact that many parties — dealers, consignors, etc. — need Manheim’s services to operate their own businesses, the company has activated its Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for pandemic situations.

“The plan’s purpose is to ensure the continuation of services and to establish ongoing communications between key stakeholders as circumstances evolve. As part of our BCP, we are in contact with critical third-parties to verify their ability to provide continued support,” Huang said in the letter.

Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to their respective Manheim rep or visit MyManheim.com/COVID-19.

“As the situation continues to evolve, I want you to know that our team is prepared to address COVID-19 developments as they arise,” Huang said. “I am very grateful and humbled by the dedication of our team members, the loyalty of our clients and the support of our local communities.”  

 Manheim is also postponing its 75th anniversary celebration at Manheim Pennsylvania, which was orginally scheduled for later this month.