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Along with specific market additions to expand its Retail Solutions operations, Manheim on Friday also shared its four-point plan to continue growing its extensive auction network and inventory services; a strategy the company said is based on how it continuously listens to dealers’ input.

In response to allowing clients to guide the organization’s future investments and offerings, Manheim emphasized that it is “reimagining” the customer experience by broadening its services and strengthening its North American operations, which span 113 physical, digital and mobile sales.

Before delving into four major components, Manheim North America president Janet Barnard explained how the company is bringing its auction network and offerings to more markets and delivering more access to clients than ever before.

“Our growth plan is intentional, providing choices that meet the evolving needs of our national and local clients who require anytime and anywhere access,” Barnard said while making the announcement during the NADA Convention & Expo.

“We believe offering a variety of traditional and new sales opportunities best positions us to support dealers’ growth, as well as serve clients in previously underserved markets,” she added.

Manheim indicated that it is committed to four objectives, including:

• Expanding its auction services, ensuring dealers can quickly buy and sell needed inventory, as well as reduce their risk.

The company insisted its new market structure is sharpening its ability to drive client success. Recent growth activities include transitioning Go Auto Exchange sites to Manheim locations and opening a new Manheim Cleveland site. 

• Investing in digital technology, enabling clients to conduct business anytime, anywhere and during any weather conditions.

Manheim acknowledged that dealers increasingly rely on digital and mobile technology.  Last year alone, the company pointed out OVE transactions increased more than 20 percent and Manheim Simulcast experienced record growth with 50 percent of attendees now using this channel.

• Reaching local and previously underserved markets in innovative ways.

For example, Manheim noted the company’s mobile auction sales are growing — with 30 established mobile units and 39 more under development — and some are evolving into regularly scheduled events in response to dealer success. 

Manheim stressed that its mobile units bring technology — such as Simulcast — along with staffing and expertise to host an auction on a dealer’s lot, as well as in conference centers, warehouses and open fields.  

• Leveraging the power of Manheim and Cox Automotive so that dealers can access vehicle services beyond the auction.

The company mentioned clients can seamlessly get financing, transportation, inspections, imaging, and reconditioning, and also can purchase protection separately or via a bundled solutions approach.

Manheim contends many of these services can produce cost-effective efficiencies and flexibility, freeing up clients’ time for customer-facing priorities. The company added these services can alleviate dealers’ pain points and maximize their revenue and speed to market.

“No matter where or how clients choose to do business with us, we are committed to their success and developing new approaches in anticipation of their future needs,” Barnard said. “We pioneered this industry, and today continue to develop new and better ways to meet dealers’ business needs and help them succeed.”

Manheim expands Retail Solutions adding five new sites

In other company news, Manheim announced on Friday it is expanding its Retail Solutions operations to provide clients greater access to high-quality services that can produce retail-ready vehicles

The company said it is investing $5 million to add five more locations, including:

—Manheim Orlando
—Manheim Houston
—Manheim St. Louis
—Manheim Detroit
—Manheim Darlington in South Carolina

Joining the Manheim Denver and Manheim Chicago sites that launched last year, the company stressed the new locations will serve larger geographical markets. 

“Dealer response to Retail Solutions has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Grace Huang, senior vice president of inventory services at Manheim. “Clients tell us that with Manheim handling the time-consuming work associated with inventory readiness and logistics, they can focus on engaging with customers.”

By tapping Manheim’s services, the company said clients can not only reduce vehicle turn time and overhead by lowering personnel and fixed costs, but can invest their resources on customer-facing priorities.

“As our operational processes for reconditioning and inspections have greatly improved by using Retail Solutions, we can spend more time on our guests and associates — two groups critical to our future success,” said Jeff Dyke, senior vice president of operations at Sonic Automotive, which joined with Manheim to launch Retail Solutions in Denver early last year.

“Our partnership with Manheim is generating greater efficiencies and helping us maximize our revenues,” Dyke added.

By partnering with other Cox Automotive brands, Manheim can offer a wide array of diverse services, such as AiM, Ready Logistics and DealShield. Retail Solutions services include acquisitions, inspections, reconditioning, marshaling, title services, merchandising and transportation.

Manheim emphasized Retail Solutions does virtually everything to get vehicles front-line ready for consumers to “kick the tires.”

DriveTime chief executive officer Ray Fidel acknowledged some doubt about what Manheim could do with Retail Solutions.

“When Manheim approached us to offer retail reconditioning, I was skeptical,” Fidel said. “One year later, I am a believer, as they delivered a terrific execution platform. Retail Solutions is now becoming an integral part of DriveTime's supply chain. Our dealerships are very pleased with the vehicles.” 

Retail Solutions currently supports 18 diverse clients, representing manufacturers and both franchised and independent dealers.

By the end of 2016, Maheim indicated Retail Solutions services will be available in a total of seven markets across the country. Its expansion creates approximately 275 local jobs, introduces master technicians into the remarketing space and offers employees learning opportunities to diversify and enhance their skills.

“Retail Solutions is a natural extension of the wholesale services we have provided to dealers for more than seven decades,” Huang said.

“Clients know they can count on Manheim to support their inventory needs — every step of the way — from the auction lane to the retail lot,” she went on to say.