Manheim has hosted its largest online auction to date, with manufacturer Nissan achieving 100% conversion at a special closed sale for its franchised network.

The closed auction, which featured 170 Nissan cars, saw more than 40 dealers in attendance and included ex-management stock.

Every vehicle was sold, with the total value achieved on the day reaching £2.7million.

Designed to complement the existing physical auctions, the online auctions are part of Manheim’s new direct trade sales programme and are based on the company’s existing Simulcast technology.

The auctions feature a live auctioneer taking bids and enable the franchised dealer network to source vehicles easily and efficiently, from a computer or from a mobile device.

Ajay Chauhan, remarketing manager at Nissan, said: “We’re thrilled with the results of this online sale. We were very impressed with the number of buyers that logged into the sale and the Manheim Online team provided a fantastic auction. The technology is robust and very user-friendly for the Nissan network. We have already got another sale in the diary and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Manheim and planning bigger, better and more exciting events over the next few months.” 

Dave Parry, general manager at Manheim, said: “Nissan continues to look for innovative ways to remarket its stock and support the franchised network in sourcing quality used vehicles. Our online auctions fit-in perfectly with that strategy. The hard work of the Nissan and Manheim teams in the run-up to the event really paid off and we’re delighted to have offered buyers the ultimate auction experience. The online auction capability that Manheim has developed is unique in the marketplace and is an integral part of the company’s ongoing strategy.”

Nissan and Manheim have announced that the next online sale, which is to be supported by Leaseplan UK, will take place on April 22, 2014.