“With technology and our state-of-the-art mobile fleet, we are truly able to shape local sales experiences tailored to the seller’s needs at anytime and anywhere and the buyers are responding.” —Grace Huang, senior vice president of Inventory Services at Manheim.
ATLANTA, Nov. 16, 2016—Manheim clients are experiencing record-setting sales rates—averaging 70 percent—with Mobile auctions as a result of its tailored sales experience and concentrated buyer base. In fact, Manheim’s Mobile Auction program now generates the highest sales rate among all Manheim channels, including in-lane, mobile and online. With a fleet of mobile trucks, buses and “auction in a box” portable technology units, the versatility of mobile sales has proved a convenient and efficient option for independent and franchise dealers, as well as commercial consignors.
“Mobile auctions extend the reach and bring the excitement of the live, wholesale auction experience anywhere there is demand,” said Grace Huang, senior vice president of Inventory Services at Manheim. “With technology and our state-of-the-art mobile fleet, we are truly able to shape local sales experiences tailored to the seller’s needs at anytime and anywhere and the buyers are responding.”
Mobile sales have been conducted at dealerships and buy here pay here lots, as well as at conference centers, warehouses, a cow pasture, a lakeside pier, a winery in NAPA, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Daytona Speedway and in the outfield of a minor league baseball field. This convenience has led to a 20 percent increase year-over-year on dealer volume.
The portability of the mobile sales channel offers dealers more flexibility, greater access to needed vehicle inventory, and the buying power behind Manheim.com. Dealers also have access to the business efficiencies offered at a traditional Manheim sale, such as Simulcast, auctioneer-led live bidding, dealer and vehicle registration and floor planning.
In addition to a buyer base focused solely on their cars, dealers who host a mobile auction also benefit from reduced transportation and travel costs, on-site condition reports and imaging, arbitration, title transfer and management and sale marketing support.
Manheim’s mobile strategy was initially developed to offer independent and small franchise dealers in underserved markets easier, more convenient ways to buy and sell vehicles. Today, as the expected surge of off-lease vehicles comes to market, commercial consignors are using mobile sales to manage volume.
“Our team is developing new and creative ways to utilize mobile auctions and gain efficiencies for our dealer and commercial clients,” said Randy Beil, vice president of Mobile at Manheim. “Our commercial clients have responded enthusiastically.”
For example, Manheim Darlington and Manheim Atlanta recently partnered with BMW Group Financial Services to host a mobile sale in Greenville, S.C. at Fluor Field, home to Boston Red Sox affiliate, the Greenville Drive. Against a backdrop of the stadium’s replica “Green Monster,” several of BMW’s largest dealers viewed and bid on top-quality inventory via a closed Simulcast sale conducted by a live auctioneer on the stadium’s giant video scoreboard. While attendees enjoyed ballpark food and batting practice on the field, BMW Group Financial appreciated the 94 percent conversion rate – all without having to move a vehicle.
Providing the largest and most advanced mobile sale offering in the industry, Manheim conducts more than 60 sales each month at some mobile auction locations across 20 states. A typical mobile sale involves an average of 150 cars and includes vehicles of all types ranging from $100 to $100,000 and every price point in between.
Note: See below for Infographic on Manheim Mobile Auctions
