MANHEIM Auctions has launched a new certified vehicle warranty designed to boost confidence in buying and selling vehicles through auction. It is also hoped that the initiative will help to steady residual values. Manheim Certified provides an auction guarantee to buyers and sellers, offering a 32-point check covering engine condition, transmission, brakes, steering, bodywork and mileage verification.

The auction firm will offer a full refund on any vehicle returned within five working days due to any fault covered by the inspection, freeing the vendor from unexpected problems once the vehicle is sold. The service was launched at Manheim Colchester and will now be rolled out to the company's 17 other sites.

Manheim Auctions UK chief executive John Bailey said: 'The new service will enable vendors to earn recognition for quality vehicles and dealers to buy with increased confidence for a nominal fee. This removes one of the biggest concerns for dealers buying at auction while also cementing their relationship with vendors who are prepared to take out a guarantee on their vehicles.'