Manheim has re-started its online auction programme after implementing a range of safety measures across the business.

Auctions are online only and will feature vehicles and models from several vendors. Stock will be available to buy through ‘buy now’ events and ‘virtual auctions’ via Simulcast.

Chris Cush, director of auctions and transport at Manheim, said: “We’re pleased to restart our online auction operations this week. We’ve carefully planned the operational activity required to support each sale safely, both in terms of how our teams work and how customers receive the vehicles that they buy.”

Buyers will be contacted following each sale to arrange collection. Collection must be by appointment only. There will be a strict handover process in place to ensure the ongoing safety of staff and customers.

Cush said: “We have established a strict operating process that ensures social distancing is maintained, and collections managed to ensure the safety of all involved.

“We will be ramping-up our sales timetable in the coming weeks but for now the focus is on ensuring we carefully manage activity to keep the wellbeing and safety of team members and customers absolutely front and centre of all we do.”

Buyers will not be charged the usual additional Simulcast fee until further notice. This concession also applies to any vehicles acquired from Manheim Online.

Buyers are also advised that vehicles purchased prior to lockdown can now be collected, with the same strict handover process in place. Auction centres are contacting customers to arrange handover appointments.

Auctions are trade only and you must be a Manheim account holder to participate.

Meanwhile, CD Auction has also re-started sales across its operations with immediate effect.

It is holding a sale this week with an ongoing regular programme of weekly sales now in place. The company reports that early interest from salvage buyers is strong.

CD Auction ran an affiliate site sale for Dawsongroup Van Rental on Tuesday (May 12), which attracted strong interest and had an excellent conversion rate and CAP performance, it said.  

It will be holding a commercial sale today (Thursday, May 14) and a car sale tomorrow (Friday, May 15), marketing vehicles that were due to be offered before lockdown. 

Its regular program of weekly sales will start next week. 

Andy Brown, managing director at CD Auction Group, said: "We are taking a measured approach to unroll the measures we took through the lockdown. 

"As the industry begins to return to normal, we will gradually increase the frequency and scope of sales to ensure our vendors and buyers have the services they need.

"As a digital-first auction business, we are well placed to quickly scale our operations while observing the social distancing and safety guidelines set out by the Government."

Earlier this year, CD Auction launched a new buyers app to enable dealers to buy stock whenever and wherever they are. Users can use the 'buy it now' function to purchase a priced vehicle as soon as it is added to the live database.

The company has seen the numbers of dealers accessing its digital online-only sales from mobile devices double in the last 12 months to now account for 45% of all bids.

Brown continued: "We expect sales through digital channels via mobile devices to account for over 60% of volumes for the rest of 2020 and continue to grow as buyers seek remote solutions. 

"We also anticipate that more vendors will look to our off-site service to limit the movement of vehicles and exposure of people supporting the remarketing supply chain."

BCA had previously announced that all vehicle auctions will go online only from March 26. All of its transactions are completed remotely and in line with Government guidelines to ensure that the health and safety of BCA’s people, customers, partners and suppliers is not compromised, it said.

Buyers can bid remotely via the BCA Buyer app or BCA Online. Virtual sale events are also held daily to cater for buyers who prefer to join live-bidding in real-time.

Similar to Manheim, all payments for vehicles must be transacted online remotely and BCA has suspended the additional online feeto support its customers during the ongoing crisis.

Stuart Pearson, chief operating officer at BCA, said: "Our priority is to support our people and all of our customers as best we can during this incredibly difficult time.

“The motor industry is incredibly resilient and with well-established operating models severely disrupted, we have developed new ways of working together with our people, suppliers, partners and customers that comply with safety legislation and Government guidance.

“It’s an evolving picture and whilst there is a long way to go before many businesses get back to anything like normal, momentum is definitely building and BCA will continue to look for innovative ways to support its customers during the months ahead.”

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