LOS ANGELES -

Westlake Financial Services recently recognized its top auction partners and earning designation as its overall 2011 Auction of the Year was Norwalk Auto Auction.

“Norwalk Auto Auction is the little auction with big results. A two-lane sale just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Norwalk produces high scores for sale and service standards on a consistent basis,” said Bill Walters, Westlake’s vice president of remarketing. “Lou Rudich, COO; and Bill Corbett, director of marketing, and their entire staff make service a high priority.”

He added: “They have been a creative, conscientious and committed partner since we moved our account there over four years ago.”

Tapped as the Top Service Auction was Manheim St. Pete. This Florida auction was touted for its responsiveness and for meeting operational challenges.

“Christian Simpson, fleet lease manager, always succeeds in finding creative ways to help market Westlake to their local and far-reaching buyer base,” stated Dirk Grammel, Westlake regional auction representative.

Moving along, Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho was named Top Loyalty Sale Auction for the second year in a row as it notched 64-percent penetration, and it also took home honors as Most Improved Auction.

“The auction’s commitment to our account and this program, as well as their partnership with our area sales reps, is producing exceptional results,” Walters said.

Regional auction representative Brad Hall added: “The personalized approach fostered by Russ Smith, general manager, and Scott Wilson, assistant general manager, is unique in the industry and both dealers and sellers appreciate the time they commit to meeting everyone’s needs.”

Lastly, Westlake president Ian Anderson congratulated all three auctions for their wins.

“A special thank you to our 2011 Top Auctions. 2011 was a record year for our remarketing department and they couldn’t have done it without the help of premier auctions such as Norwalk Auto Auction, Manheim St. Pete, and Dealers Auto Auction of Idaho," he noted. "We look forward to continued support from our auction partners in 2012.”