Manheim estimates that used retail sales increased 16% in January from December and that used retail sales were up 5% year over year, based on leveraging a same-store set of dealerships selected to represent the country from Dealertrack.

Using estimates of used retail days’ supply based on vAuto data, January ended at 44 days’ supply, down from 56 days at the end of December and six days lower than how January 2022 ended at 50 days.

Leveraging Manheim sales and inventory data, wholesale supply is estimated to have ended January at 26 days, down six days from the end of December and down five days from how January 2022 ended at 31 days.

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.

America’s Auto Auction - Charleston held its first sale of the year on Jan. 6 featuring 1,000 vehicles, 800 dealers, free breakfast and a $10,000 cash giveaway. By the end of the day, most of the vehicles were sold, and four dealers split the $10,000 cash giveaway.     

Not only did the dealers make out well during this sale, so did the Project H.O.M.E. Foundation, which received $3,000 in donations from dealers in attendance.

The Project H.O.M.E. Foundation works to provide a structured and nurturing home environment for displaced male high school students between the ages of 17 and 21 that will help them experience success in learning and in life.

“This was a great way to kick off the new year,” said General Manager Bill McCready. “Selling a lot of cars and raising money for a great charity like Project H.O.M.E. Foundation made it a great day. We have many more promotions scheduled throughout the year and each of these will featuring a different charity.

“We look forward to selling a lot more cars and raising a lot more money for some great causes.”

Upcoming promotions for America’s Auto Auction – Charleston include the 22^nd Anniversary sale on March 10 with $20,000 in cash and prizes.

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.

America’s Auto Auctions received top awards from C&F Finance Company and C&F Remarketing.

Named for their excellent performances in sales, transportation, invoicing, title processing and other tasks were America’s Auto Auction Virginia Beach, America’s Auto Auction Savannah, and the America’s Group.

• America’s Group – National Auction of the Year
• America’s Auto Auction Virginia Beach – Auction of the Year
• America’s Auto Auction Savannah – Southeast Auction of the Year

“Congratulations to America’s Auto Auction for receiving C&F Finance Company’s National Auction of the Year award,” said Mike Wilson, chief operating officer of C&F Finance Company and C&F Remarketing. “They have been our top auction group for the last four years. 

“In addition, America’s Auto Auction Virginia Beach was C&F Remarketing’s Auction of the Year.  America’s Auto Auction Savannah received the Southeast Auction of the Year award from C&F Remarketing for the threepeat.  We are thankful for the great partnership and friendship that we have with our America’s Auto Auction partners across the country and look forward to another award-winning year in 2023.”