BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -

AuctionACCESS is developing a new mobile app that it says will allow dealers to utilize their smartphones to manage their AuctionACCESS memberships and gain access to auctions.

Dealers will be able to use the AuctionACCESS mobile app to accomplish a number of tasks while on the go, officials noted. The app will let them pre-register for auctions, find AuctionACCESS locations through the Auction Locator tool and see their membership information.

Furthermore, through the app, dealers will be alerted to any issues that may keep them from entering an auction. Dealers can also view run lists from participating facilities.

The app will have a specified version for iPhone usage as well as one for Android.

“With this app, access to our participating auction locations has never been simpler or more convenient,” explained Chuck Redden, president and chief executive officer of parent company AutoTec. “Dealers will be able to view their AuctionACCESS membership information from anywhere and get into auctions as quickly as possible, giving them that much more time to buy and/or sell their inventory.”

He added: “All dealers carry an AuctionACCESS card in their wallet, but this new app gives the concept of having your membership in your pocket a whole new meaning.”

AutoTec Encourages NIADA Members to Join in Curbstoning Fight

In other news from AutoTec, the company is asking members of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association to help them fight a problem that can be dangerous to consumers and business: curbstoning.

This is an illegal practice of unlicensed dealers selling used cars, often pretending to be private citizens.

AutoTec rolled out its StopCurbstoning.com site more than a year ago. NIADA also aligned with AutoTec last year to help root out these problems.

“When we started, ‘curbstoner’ was an industry term — it wasn’t part of the general vocabulary,” Redden stated. “In the past several months, we’ve seen the term pop up more and more in news reports and legislative efforts.

“StopCurbstoning.com has dramatically increased awareness among consumers and lawmakers that curbstoning isn’t just against the law — it also compromises public safety and reduces revenues," he added.

The site certainly has picked up some momentum, as its traffic has more than doubled, according to AutoTec.

“We urge NIADA members to join the campaign to stop curbstoning,” Redden noted. “Now that the issue has gained traction, we’d like to see more independent dealerships link their websites to StopCurbstoning.com.

“That shows potential customers that the dealership supports legal, licensed transactions, and it educates customers about the risks of buying from so-called ‘private parties,’” he added.