“It is fitting to hold this competition at Manheim Pennsylvania, where modern-day auto auctions began in the U.S. We appreciate Manheim making this event possible, and for the industry leader’s commitment to auto auction professionals.” Paul C. Behr, president of the WAAC.
ATLANTA, May 4, 2017 – Enthusiastic chants will fill the vast Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction arena on May 12 as 100+ auctioneers battle it out in the 2017 World Automobile Auctioneers Championship (WAAC). Seasoned auctioneers and ring people will demonstrate this time-honored selling tradition on the site where modern-day auto auctions began in the U.S.
Hosted by Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction the one-day event will showcase some 100 competitors battling for top honors across three categories – best auctioneer, best ringperson and best two-person team – as well as $12,500 in prize money.
“It’s our privilege to sponsor this year’s event and celebrate the top professionals in automobile auctioneering,” remarked Joey Hughes, general manager of Manheim Pennsylvania. “It will be an inspiring display of hard work and unique craft.”
Top auto auction industry executives attending the championship include Shane O’Dell, president of Cox Automotive Financial Solutions Group, Grace Huang, senior vice president of Manheim inventory Services, and Gerry Hinton, president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA).
A judge for the event, Huang, added, “The level of talent at this event will be unparalleled, and picking the winners will be an exciting, tough job.”
To come out on top in the competition, challengers must stand out in their presentation, chant, voice quality, salesmanship and other performance elements of effective auctioneering. Contestants will also be judged on their ability to interact and communicate with bidders and buyers.
“It is fitting to hold this competition at Manheim Pennsylvania, where modern-day auto auctions began in the U.S.,” said Paul C. Behr, president of the WAAC. “We appreciate Manheim making this event possible, and for the industry leader’s commitment to auto auction professionals.”
In addition to hosting the WAAC on May 12, Manheim Pennsylvania will conduct its weekly sale with nearly 8,000 vehicles running through its remaining 31 lanes (total of 35 sale lanes) and via simulcast. Local dignitaries and business leaders will also be attending.
Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction was founded in 1945 selling three vehicles in one lane. Today, it is the world’s largest auto auction with 400 acres and 1,600 team members. Some 70 auctioneers present more than 500,000 vehicles annually at this location.Some 1,857 auctioneers and ringpersons work among Manheim locations across North America.
The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association will broadcast the competition via a live webcast at www.niada.tv starting at 8 a.m. EDT. For more information, visit www.autochampionship.com.
