April 30, 2025
Wholesale: Auction News (144)
Charleston Auction Celebrates 23rd Anniversary
Staff Writer
March 28, 2024
America’s Auto Auction Charleston’s 23rd Anniversary Sale had a conversion rate exceeding 70% of consignment sold, underscoring America’s AA Charleston’s dedication to providing value and service to its clientele.
Dealers were treated to a complimentary breakfast and had the chance to vie for $30,000 in cash and prizes. Prior to and after the sale, participants could participate in a Greedy Board drawing for the opportunity to win up to $2,000. Additionally, a drawing was conducted at the conclusion of the sale, offering dealers a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000. The event saw the distribution of coveted prizes including YETI coolers, 54” televisions, and generous cash rewards to attending dealers.
Laura Taylor, general manager, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The success of our 23rd Anniversary Sale underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. As we commemorate this significant milestone, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all participants, consignors, buyers, and staff, for their steadfast support and contributions to our ongoing success.”
Cox Automotive Announces New Exec Roles
Staff Writer
March 26, 2024
With its mission to play a larger role in the buying, selling and servicing of vehicles by diversifying client offerings, Cox Automotive has named Alan Lang senior vice president of Physical Services and Auctions at Inventory Solutions. He will be responsible for guiding the reimagination of auction operations, processes and vehicle services to ensure that Cox Automotive is highly efficient, profitable and well positioned for future growth. Lang replaces Patrick Brennan who moved to Cox Automotive Mobility Solutions last year.
“Alan brings nearly two decades of experience to this position with deep knowledge in operations, finance, relationship building and creating high performance teams,” said Grace Huang, president, Inventory Solutions at Cox Automotive. “Alan’s ability to deliver on company and client goals will position Cox Automotive, Inventory Solutions and Manheim to continue leading our industry.”
Lang joined Cox Automotive in 2016 as Manheim divisional vice president. He was responsible for leading the development and execution of strategies to increase market share, revenue and client satisfaction for Manheim’s physical and digital marketplaces. Prior to this role, he served as senior vice president, operations and business development at NextGear Capital (formerly Dealer Services Corporation) where he oversaw the daily operations of a $1.9 billion portfolio.
Key areas that present the greatest opportunities for Cox Automotive and its clients include making the digital buying experience as good as seeing it in person; providing real-time, actionable data to help clients make more informed buying and selling decisions; and maintaining core services while preparing for EV growth. Lang will lead Manheim employees and cross functional leaders with a focus on these opportunities and delivering high-quality vehicle services, operational excellence and greater efficiencies that benefit clients.
Ship.Cars Partners with America’s Auto Auction Group
Staff Writer
March 20, 2024
Ship.Cars, a logistics technology company, has formed a partnership with America’s Auto Auction Group. The group selected Ship.Cars for its cutting-edge transportation management system, LoadMate Pro, which will be implemented across all 38 of America’s Auto Auction locations.
“We are excited about this opportunity with America’s Auto Auction,” said Eftim Eftimov, president of Ship.Cars. “Our technology will not only streamline their operation but also contribute significantly to their growth.”
The group operates dealer-only wholesale auctions across the U.S., offering an extensive array of inventory from independent car dealers, franchise stores, fleet and leasing companies and financial institutions.
The implementation of LoadMate Pro will transform AAAG’s current transportation process, introducing a modernized, unified system throughout the enterprise.
“After a comprehensive evaluation of our options and strategy, we chose to partner with Ship.Cars,” stated Joe Ruch, vice president of operational excellence at America’s Auto Auction Group. “Their company ethos and leadership align perfectly with our values of transparency, compliance and data security throughout the automotive transportation process.”
In 2023, Ship.Cars integrated its technology with AutoIMS to make inventory transportation for AAAG auctions and the remarketing industry easier and more efficient. America’s Auto Auctions are now able to have inventory from their institutional consignors automatically loaded into LoadMate Pro for dispatch. This saves significant time as transportation managers can now dispatch the inventory to their network of providers with just a few clicks.
Greater Rockford Auto Auction, an independent auto auction in Illinois, is proud to celebrate 50 years in the auction business at the GRAA’lapalooza Anniversary Sale. The two-day event takes place Tuesday, June 25th and Wednesday, June 26th.
GRAA is thrilled to announce the 2024 GRAA’lapalooza headliner will be country music singer, Tyler Hubbard. With 21 No. 1 singles on country radio, countless awards, and sold-out tours, Hubbard has already had a remarkable career as a songwriter and half of multi-platinum duo Florida Georgia Line. Hubbard will take the GRAA’lapalooza stage on Tuesday, June 25th, with hits like “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ in the Country,” “Back Then Right Now,” and many more.
“We are honored to celebrate 50 years at a GRAA’lapalooza event that is bigger and better than ever,” says Chad Anderson, GRAA General Manager.
The event will kick off at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25th with 200+ vehicles running. Following the sale there will be food and drinks provided by local food trucks. Hubbard will take the GRAA’lapalooza stage at 7 p.m. The celebration will not stop there, Wednesday, June 26th GRAA will welcome customers back for the main auction event with over 1,000 vehicles running from Fleet/Lease and Dealer consignors. Following the sale guests will have the chance to win big as $10,000 in prizes are given away.
Wholesale Used Vehicle Index Declines
Staff Writer
March 10, 2024
Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage, and seasonally adjusted basis) were down in February compared to January. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index fell to 203.8, a decline of 13.1% from a year ago. The index was down 0.1% against the month of January 2024. The seasonal adjustment magnified February’s results.
The non-adjusted price in February increased by 1.7% compared to January, moving the unadjusted average price down 11.0% year over year. “Though February activity was muted as we started the month, we saw more activity in the lanes at Manheim in the second half of the month and finished the last week of February with some of the strongest weekly gains in wholesale prices for many years,” said Jeremy Robb, senior director of Economic and Industry Insights for Cox Automotive. “Tax refunds have picked up over the last two weeks, with the average refund now 4% higher than 2023 levels at this time. This has put money into consumers’ pockets, and retail purchase activity is increasing. In turn, dealers are coming to the lanes and buying units at Manheim right at the start of the spring selling season for wholesale markets.”
AutoIMS Exec Retires
Staff Writer
March 08, 2024
Auto Auction Services Corp., more widely known as AutoIMS, announced that Ann Cammarata is retiring from her position as vice president of client success, effective April 1, 2024. Cammarata’s impact on the company and the remarketing industry was notable during her 8 years at AutoIMS.
Cammarata joined AutoIMS in 2016 as director of client support and was promoted to VP of client success. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving AutoIMS’s growth and success, and ensuring AutoIMS has the best client support team in the remarketing industry
“Ann’s contributions to the success of AutoIMS on all three pillars have been simply invaluable,” said AutoIMS CEO, Venkat Krishnamoorthy. “Ann has a get-it-done attitude and was always available to mentor everyone that needed guidance. She simply made AutoIMS awesome with her years of invaluable industry experience. Ann shared her retirement plans with me almost a year prior to the upcoming April 1 date. It shows that she truly cared about ensuring that we have a seamless transition when she eventually retires.”
Cammarata plans to step down on April 1 and looks forward to pursuing her newfound love of baking, enjoying time with family, and embarking on new hiking adventures with Rick, her spouse of 33 years.
“Celebrating the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new adventure fills me with gratitude and excitement as I transition from the corporate world to the sensational journey of retirement,” Cammarata said. “Over nearly four decades, the automotive industry has not only been my professional arena but also the grounds where lifelong friendships were forged.”
AutoIMS extended its sincerest thanks to Ann for her many years of dedicated service and leadership. The entire AutoIMS crew wishes Ann all the best in this next beautiful phase of life.
OPENLANE Exec Announces Retirement
Staff Writer
February 28, 2024
Mike Eliason, treasurer and vice president of investor relations, is retiring after more than 25 years, effective June 1. OPENLANE is an operator of digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles.
Eliason will continue to serve in his position until a successor is named to ensure a seamless transition. OPENLANE will conduct a thorough national search process for Eliason’s successor. Upon Eliason’s retirement, Brad Lakhia, EVP and chief financial officer, will assume the role of treasurer.
“Mike has been a valued member of the OPENLANE team for 25 years and has led our investor relations program for the last seven years, playing a key role in communicating about our company’s growth and transformation to our customers, business partners and stockholders,” said Brad Lakhia, EVP and chief financial officer. “I want to thank Mike for his leadership and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement.”
Auction Names New Digital Sales Executive
Staff Writer
February 27, 2024
America’s Auto Auction Charleston has added Daniel Buttrey to its team as the new Digital Sales Executive. In this role, Buttrey will focus on assisting clients in growing and expanding their digital platform to enhance their automotive business operations.
A native of Charleston, Buttrey brings with him a wealth of experience and understanding of the automotive industry.
Prior to joining America’s Auto Auction – Charleston, Buttrey gained experience working in both the retail and wholesale sectors of the car business. His family has owned a dealership in North Charleston for 25 years, providing him with firsthand knowledge of dealership operations and customer service.
Outside of work, Buttrey enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly fishing, and is an avid football fan. He also values spending quality time socializing with friends and family.
“Daniel brings extensive knowledge and a passion for the automotive industry to our team,” said Laura Taylor, general manager of America’s Auto Auction Charleston.
“We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the great contributions he will make to our organization.”
In Memoriam: Philip Valenti
Staff Writer
February 26, 2024
Auction Edge announces the passing of Philip Valenti, 44, of Rolesville, N.C. He was the founder of IfThenAuto, a company acquired by Auction Edge in 2021.
Valenti’s passion for the industry was unrivaled and persevering. His knack for innovation and seeing the future of auto remarketing was a source of inspiration for all who knew him, and his contributions will be felt well into the future.
Valenti was a devout Christian whose faith never wavered. Born on Jan. 13, 1980, in Plantation, Fla., Phil graduated from the University of Florida before starting many ventures. He absolutely loved what he did and was always looking for new ventures to start.
Valenti is survived by his loving wife, Tharina of nearly 15 years; sons, Elijah and Rohen and his daughter, Michaelah; parents, Philip and Connie; father-in-law, Paul Gerritsen and mother-in-law, Drienie Gerritsen; brother, Michael; sister, Andrea (Matt Pittinaro and their son Brody); brothers-in-law, Marco Gerritsen and Stefan Steyn and sister-in-law, Fione Steyn.
He will always be remembered as a loving husband and father who put his children above all things, and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alphonse and Flora Valenti; Charles and Flori Swart (Tharina’s grandparents); Amos Stock; uncles, Frances and Paul Valenti.
NAAA Settles ACV Antitrust Suit
Staff Writer
February 23, 2024
The National Auto Auction Association reached a mutually agreeable settlement of the antitrust litigation brought against the association and others by ACV Auctions, Inc. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, DAA Oklahoma City and Cross Point NW LLC, which were recently acquired by ACV Auctions, Inc., will maintain their status as Regular Members of NAAA, the association stated. In recognition of their new relationship with the Association, ACV Auctions, Inc. has agreed to make a generous donation to the NAAA Warren Young, Sr. Scholastic Foundation, which grants academic scholarships to eligible full-time employees of NAAA member auctions or corporate offices, their children, or grandchildren.
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Heavy Equipment Sale Features 16,500 Items
Staff Writer
February 21, 2024
RB Global Inc., a global marketplace for insights, services and transaction solutions, announced that Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers’ Feb. 19-23 global auction in Orlando features a record-setting 16,500+ items – over 20% more lots than its 2023 auction.
Equipment highlights in the Orlando auction include 3,700+ construction equipment lots, 1,200+ transport trucks, 250+ units of aggregate equipment, 60+ cranes, thousands of attachments, and so much more. Bids in the auction can be made in-person, online in real time at rbauction.com, or via Ritchie Bros.’ mobile app.
“We are so excited to welcome customers to our 40th premier global auction event in Orlando, with 200 acres full of heavy industrial equipment and transportation assets ready to be purchased and taken home by new owners,” said Jeff Jeter, chief revenue officer for RB Global. “Check out the equipment on our website rbauction.com with high-resolution photos and videos and/or visit our Orlando site in person to inspect and test equipment. At Ritchie Bros., we want our buyers to have all the information they need to bid with confidence.”
America’s Auto Auction Announces Promotions
Staff Writer
February 14, 2024
America’s Auto Auction has promoted Derek Simmerman and Janice Hicks to the positions of general manager and assistant general manager, respectively, in the Virginia Beach location. Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the automobile auction industry to their new roles.
Simmerman’s journey in the automotive sector began at Greensboro Auto Auction where he dedicated over 7 years to learning the industry. Simmerman found his true passion for the car business while working as an assistant marketing manager and later as a fleet department manager. In October 2021, he joined America’s Auto Auction Virginia Beach as the assistant general manager where he made impactful contributions to the organization.
“I am truly grateful for my team and eagerly anticipate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” Simmerman stated.
Hicks, the newly appointed assistant general manager, has been an integral part of the company’s journey. She has navigated various roles within the organization, including lot attendant, lane coordinator, redemption manager, fleet coordinator, office clerk, transportation manager, and sales manager. Hicks attributes her success to the invaluable experiences and opportunities she’s encountered along the way, all of which have positioned her for this role.
Hicks expressed her gratitude by saying, “I am immensely thankful for the journey that has molded me into who I am today and for the chance to contribute further in this capacity.”
Brian Thomas, senior vice president of America’s Auto Auction, commented on the personnel moves.
“These promotions reflect our commitment to nurturing talent within our team,” he said. “Derek and Janice’s industry knowledge, leadership skills, and dedication make them the perfect fit for these roles.”
Pollak, Huang Receive Warren Young Fellow Awards
Staff Writer
February 08, 2024
The National Auto Auction Association has presented Dale Pollak and Grace Huang each with a Warren Young Fellow award. The awards were presented to Pollak and Huang by NAAA President Eric Autenrieth at NAAA’s 2024 Total Access Meeting in Las Vegas earlier this month.
Pollak’s award is in recognition of his “exceptional contributions to the automotive industry.” Huang was honored for her “unparalleled service and dedication to advancing the wholesale auto auction industry and her commitment to advocating for diversity and inclusion initiatives.”
Pollak’s career in the automotive industry spans more than four decades. He is the founder of vAuto and executive vice president at Cox Automotive. As a dealer, technology entrepreneur, and best-selling author, Pollak has helped over 12,000 automotive dealers in North America make dramatic improvements in their new and used vehicle operations.
A former Cadillac dealer in Chicago, Pollak’s entrepreneurial career resulted from his unique circumstances of not being able to physically see his dealership’s used vehicle inventory due to a degenerative retinal condition. This led him to pioneer the use of data science evaluating used vehicles, ultimately creating software solutions based on local market supply/demand metrics that informed critical used vehicle decisions.
Today, Pollak’s investment and market-based approach, Variable Management, serves as the driving methodology for vAuto, the company he founded in 2005. A part of Cox Automotive since 2010, vAuto solutions are used by thousands of dealers every day. Pollak continues to guide strategic integrations and innovations for vAuto and other Cox Automotive brands as a part of the company’s executive leadership team.
Huang is president of Cox Automotive Inventory Solutions. The group connects Manheim with a suite of global inventory management solutions such as vAuto, Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer, and Upside. Huang leads groups within Cox Automotive that include Manheim Marketplace, Manheim Digital, Inventory Management Solutions, Safety, Logistics, and Cox Automotive International.
Huang’s industry honors and leadership recognitions are numerous and include Northwood University’s “2022 Distinguished Women Award.”
NAAA presented Pollak and Huang each with a $2,500 donation to the NAAA Warren Young Sr. Scholastic Foundation.
IARA Launches Podcast Series
Staff Writer
February 08, 2024
IARA Executive Director Mark Coleman, announced that IARA has launched a podcast series called Hearing Voices, a play on IARA’s tagline, The Voice of the Consignor. The podcast series is powered by Greater Rockford Auto Auction, and is accessible from IARA’s Website at iara.biz, as well as most podcast outlets.
A Focus on Leadership Topics
The initial three episodes of the Hearing Voices podcast feature interviews with Joe Miller, success coach and founder of Awareness to Action Coaching, on the topic of leadership and listening, Dave Blake, Executive Director of the Independent Auction Group and Vice President at DAA Seattle, on the topic of leadership and service, and Professor Shann Ferch of Gonzaga University on the topic of leadership and forgiveness. “IARA’s aim is to help our members gain a competitive edge,” Coleman commented, “and good leadership is the ultimate edge.” Over time, podcast topics will expand to include emerging technologies in remarketing, careers in the industry, and more.
30-minute Interviews Yield Key Insights
Keeping to a 30-minute format, the podcasts are hosted and produced by Abigail Balk, Marketing and Communications Manager at Greater Rockford Auto Auction. Balk creates thoughtful questions for podcast guests designed to elicit a combination of personal experiences from the guests, as well as sage advice. Abigail said, “Our goal is to deliver enriching content, while also providing some actionable advice.”
