Manheim Direct, the trade sales channel that replaced vrs, increased unit sales by 50% on the previous month after its launch in July, boosting year-to-date figures by 28%.

More than 350 ‘online conversations’ have taken place using the Live Chat function, with about 25% of these involving customers new to Manheim Direct. Inbound calls increased by 44%, with 12% of these coming directly from the website.

Vehicles sold through Manheim Direct come from major fleet and leasing companies and manufacturers. Stock is physically located at a variety of strategic locations throughout the UK including selected Manheim auction centres as well as the 16-acre Manheim Direct, Coventry headquarters.

The stock available is reviewed and updated continually to ensure that buyers are offered an attractive, fresh stock mix. The choice available to buyers will be enhanced further in October when every one of Manheim’s UK auction centres will be able to provide stock for Manheim Direct, complementing the regular auction programmes.

Mike Pilkington, managing director, Manheim Remarketing, said: "At its launch I said that there was simply nothing else like this in the UK remarketing industry and we were looking forward to welcoming new buyers to Manheim Direct as well as being reacquainted with many old friends and this is exactly what has happened."

Access to purchase Manheim Direct stock is exclusive to motor trade account holders via the new www.manheimremarketing.co.uk website.