Manheim scoops industry innovation award
Manheim’s stand-out new mobile auction unit, which was launched at the CV Show last month (April), has been recognised by industry judges for its ‘Innovation in Remarketing’. The world’s largest vehicle services business, Manheim picked up the respected Fleet World Honours award at a prestigious ceremony held at the RAC Club in London.
The unique Manheim mobile auction unit uses a 4x4 double cab pick-up as a base vehicle. The unit is driven to the auction venue and, along with a team of experts, the auctioneer brings the physical and online buyers together via the rostrum in rear of the pick-up truck.
By selling assets directly from de-fleet locations, leasing companies and fleet managers can avoid the logistical challenges and bills of transporting a lot of stock. In addition, all pre-sale, sale day and post-sale marketing, administration and payments are handled as a one-stop shop by Manheim Online, which is based in Bruntingthorpe, Leicestershire.
The unit utilises Simulcast, Manheim’s multi-award winning online bidding software, which is underpinned by state-of-the-art Viprinet hardware. This harnesses four 3G and 4G signals from different data providers to permit online buyers to join the auction action via live audio and video streams. The VW Amarok Ultimate was provided by VW Commercial Vehicles and the conversion overseen by C Walton Ltd, Bruntingthorpe.
Fleet World judges commented: “Manheim’s mobile auction unit brings de-fleeting to you, and the internet. With a bespoke double cab as a base, webcam, PA system and TV screens, vehicles can be sold there and then with hundreds of buyers joining live by Simulcast, taking at least one movement out of the chain and speeding up payments.”
Dave Parry, general manager, Manheim Online, added: “With the launch of this exciting new service, the vendor’s auction location is now entirely flexible. Be it their own premises, a de-fleet centre or third party storage compound, we can sell anything and everything, from golf buggies, motorcycles and cars to vans, trucks, trailers and plant equipment. Vendor take-up has been significant and we already have a series of auction dates and venues booked.”
Parry continued: “In the past twelve months, Manheim Online has launched six new products and has consequently enjoyed a 54% increase in active buyers, 108% increase in sold volume and a 275% increase in online auction sold units. Buyers are increasingly seeking out stock in multiple shop windows. By maximising buyer engagement and delivering industry-leading auction events, the mobile auction unit is yet another example of how Manheim is investing in the future of our industry by providing innovative routes to market.”
