PHOENIX and MOUNT VERNON, Iowa -

A month-long celebration will soon be under way in Phoenix, as Dealers Auto Auction of the Southwest marks its 10th anniversary. Meanwhile, in Iowa, another ServNet auction is now entering its 50th year in the lanes.

DAA of the Southwest has planned an October-long event that focuses on one lane each week in October, highlighting key buyers and sellers in a departure from traditional anniversary sale format, reported ServNet Auctions this week.

Also offered will be unique dining activities in each lane, and prize giveaways.

Jim DesRochers, auction vice president and general manager, said, “Our 10-year anniversary is an important milestone for DAA of the Southwest, and we recognize that our success in this market has a great deal to do with the loyalty of our customers. As we enter our 10th year, we feel it is important to thank our customers for their partnership and support.

“An independent auction like ours has tremendous advantages in today’s market,” continued DesRochers, who is a past president of the National Auto Auction Association. “Employee longevity, senior management consistency and 24-7 access are unmatched by most chain auctions. Our customers are quick to recognize the benefits of the quality of service we offer, and we appreciate the opportunities to work with them week after week.”

DAASW was founded in 2003, and has since expanded its reach to dealers nationwide via 100 percent simulcast sales.

“Simulcast selling is an integral auction tool,” said Stephanie Gingras, auction manager. “Simulcast imaging and clear and focused announcements based on ECR and VHR data are essential in today’s market for all vehicles, just not fleet and factory.”

DAASW holds its weekly sales on Wednesdays, with tow sale at 11:30 a.m., followed by regular consignment at 12:30 p.m.

49 Years and Counting

In other news from ServNet’s auctions, Plaza Auto Auction is celebrating its 49 years of service to buyers and sellers with a new name and brand.

The auction’s official title is now Plaza Auto Auction of Iowa, according to owner Mark Greb, with a new logo representing the change.

The auction held its anniversary sale on Aug. 15, and reported average sales percentage in August just short of 70 percent.

“When Plaza Auto Auction was founded in 1963, its prime focus was the group of auto dealers in its immediate market area,” said Greb. “Over the years, the auction’s sphere of influence has expanded, and with the introduction of online selling, we have reached out to buyers and sellers across the county. We felt it was important to clearly identify our geographic location as we connect with dealers from coast to coast.”

Plaza Auto Auction holds sales on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., offers more than 500 vehicles for sale weekly, the company reports, across five auction lanes.

“Moving into our 50th year in business, we have some exciting plans for the months ahead as we improve our facilities and upgrade our technology," Greb said.

"We’re currently in the process of acquiring a new auction management system through AuctionEdge, which will make it possible for us to expand our presence online with three lanes of online selling in addition to the vehicles we sell on OVE.com. We expect to have that complete before the end of the year and we are looking forward to introducing even more buyers to Plaza Auto Auction of Iowa.”