Manheim has overhauled its digital offer for both buyers and vendors in response to an 18% increase in volume sold online.

The enhanced suite of tools features a mobile edition of online bidding platform Simulcast, the ability to instantly preview available new stock online, improved vehicle grading, the option to pay online and the physical infrastructure to support its complete remarketing process.

More than 11% of visitors to Manheim’s online sales channels now use mobile devices. Since the launch of the mobile Simulcast platform in spring 2013, online attendance at auctions has increased by 19%, with purchases by online buyers also up by 18%. More than a quarter (27%) of vehicles is now sold online each month.  

Before Christmas, Manheim will also introduce Seller Advance Deal Maker – which will help dealers actively market part-exchange vehicles in-network, as well as far more detailed online condition reports and a new barcode scanner for downloading vehicle information on smartphones.

There will be further online sales channels announced in 2014 that will make it easier for buyers to find the vehicles they are looking for.

Chris Cush, operations director at Manheim, said: “We’ve seen a substantial rise in the number of vehicles selling through online channels, demonstrated by an 18% increase in volume sold and a 19% rise in the number of people logging on to Simulcast since February 2013. This echoes a consistent year-on-year rise in online bidding since Simulcast was launched in 2004.

“There has been a significant shift in the way in which vehicles are sourced and motor retailers do business, with online tools now leading the way when it comes to making it easier to buy and sell vehicles profitably.

“As we become a more mobile society, the expectation is for business to be conducted in as many locations simultaneously in order to make the most effective use of time.

“Our online enhancements have all been designed to support that approach.”

 

 

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