May 18, 2025
Wholesale: Auction News (144)
January Fleet Sales Rise Year Over Year
Staff Writer
February 14, 2023
Manheim reported combined sales into large rental, commercial, and government fleets were up 58% year over year in January.
Sales into rental fleets were up 96% year over year, sales into commercial fleets were up 31%, and sales into government fleets were up 65%. Including an estimate for fleet deliveries into dealer and manufacturer channels, the remaining retail sales were estimated to be up 0.3%, leading to an estimated retail SAAR of 13.2 million, down 0.2 million from last year’s pace, but up 1.7 million from last month’s pace. The fleet share of 16.5% was up 3.3% from last year’s 13.2% share and was up 2.3% from last month’s 14.2% share.
The average price for rental risk units sold at auction in January was down 7.6% year over year. Rental risk prices were up 2.8% compared to December. Average mileage for rental risk units in January (at 55,800 miles) was down 5.9% compared to a year ago but up 0.2% from December.
Rawls Auto Auction Wins Westlake Honor
Staff Writer
February 09, 2023
Westlake Financial Remarketing division named Rawls Auto Auction the winner of its 2022 Auction of the Year Awards in recognition of its performances this past year.
“Westlake is proud to be working with some of the leading auto auctions in the nation. I am happy to see our fantastic partners’ continued success and growth this year and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2023,” said Paul Kerwin, chief financial officer at Westlake Financial.
This award recognizes the top-performing auctions based on various sale and service metrics throughout 2022.
“Rawls Auto Auction is proud to be named Westlake Financial’s Sale of the Year for 2022,” stated Julianne Rawls, general manager and owner of Rawls Auto Auction. “Rawls has been privileged to be in partnership with Westlake for over a decade and has won multiple awards from them during this time. Our team’s work ethic, dedication, and commitment to excellence and customer service are unmatched.”
Westlake list of award winners include:
2022 Nationwide Auction of the Year Winner:
- Rawls Auto Auction
2022 Top Regional Auction Performers:
- Midwest Region: ADESA Lexington
- South Central Region: 166 Auto Auction
- Northeast Region: Southern Auto Auction
- Southwest Region: Dealers Auto Auction Southwest
- Pacific Region: ADESA Golden Gate
Manheim Names New GM, New Executive
Staff Writer
February 07, 2023
Guided by a strategy to promote talent from within, Manheim announced a new general manager in Florida and a new associate vice president of Reconditioning Operations.
Catherine Woodall was promoted to general manager at Manheim Lakeland and joins the leadership team of the Tampa Market Center. A 22-year Cox veteran and experienced IT and finance professional, Woodall spent the first 13 years of her career with Cox Enterprises in roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as assistant vice president of Reconditioning Operations for Manheim’s East and Southeast Region, demonstrating cross functional leadership focused on strategy, innovation and best practices for Cox Automotive’s Inventory Solutions Reconditioning business.
With Woodall’s new role, Chris Karwoski was promoted to assistant vice president of Reconditioning Operations for the East and Southeast Region where he will focus on supporting clients and operating locations, enhancing reconditioning processes and developing his team. Karwoski has nearly 10 years of experience with Cox Automotive, beginning in sales before transitioning to operations as assistant general manager at Manheim Statesville where he oversaw recon operations. He brings a keen ability to balance the needs of the recon shops and clients while strengthening partnerships.
“With 2023 expected to be another unpredictable year for the industry and wholesale space, clients and team members will continue to look to strong leaders like Catherine and Chris to help navigate their businesses and the opportunities that lie ahead,” said Patrick Brennan, SVP, Marketplace.
EBlock Parent Co. Acquires Houston Auto Auction
Staff Writer
February 02, 2023
E Automotive Inc. announced the acquisition of Houston Auto Auction, an independent auction that specializes in commercial sales.
The acquisition is another strategic step for EBlock in executing against its ‘land-meets-tech” strategy across North America.
In this model, EBlock’s dealer-to-dealer digital marketplace expands and enhances the reach of a physical auction to attract more sellers and buyers across a broader market.
HAA is the fourth physical auction acquired by EBlock.
“Houston Auto Auction represents our first asset in Texas, the second largest vehicle resale market in the U.S.,” said Jason McClenahan, president and CEO of E INC.
“This acquisition, together with our Louisiana asset, ties together two strategic local markets in the Gulf State region as we continue to build scale and strengthen our footprint in the area.
“Houston Auto Auction’s focus on commercial sales opens new opportunities for us to service commercial fleet customers. At the same time, we believe our technology, experience and capabilities with the dealer market can grow their market share.”
Houston Auto Auction is a full-service facility, with reconditioning, title, and transportation services in addition to its wholesale auctions that take place every Wednesday. The auction has a large focus on commercial accounts with a specialization in fleet and repossession vehicle sales. The company also has a public auction offering through its General Services Administration (GSA) auction.
