WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. -

Based on the premise that access to real-time data is critical to remarketing customers, BMW Group Financial Services recently partnered with Manheim on the development of data solutions offered through the iPad.

Company officials said this technology can give BMW Group Financial Services’ auction representatives instant availability to pricing data across any location before, during and after sales, providing convenience and efficiency.

They mentioned other key benefits include:

—Real-time access to market conditions.
—Instant availability to Manheim Market Report (MMR) pricing data.
—Immediate access to view Manheim condition reports.
—Accurate information.
—National and regional market reports.
—Paperless operations

The automaker’s financial arm explained the new remarketing effort began as a pilot program earlier this year. After several months of success, the group will now be rolling out the new application to its entire auction staff and representation.

Tim Sturm, general manager vehicle sales for BMW Group Financial Services, emphasized the biggest strength of the new application is its ability to see real-time market trends.

“Our representatives can now view all sales, at any time and any location to see what trends are at that moment,” Sturm said.

“The ability to read the market at any given point positions our remarketing efforts at a higher level, allowing us to maintain BMW’s world-class standards in all we do,” he added.

BMW Group Financial Services also indicated it has been working directly with Manheim since the mid-1990s, and according to Shaun Bugbee, vice president of sales and marketing, the partnership has prospered even more as new technologies continue to emerge.

“We have successfully partnered with Manheim in so many ways,” Bugbee insisted.

“And now, when the digital model of an auction has become so prominent, Manheim has enhanced our ability to make more real-time decisions on the auction block than ever before,” he added. 

Bugbee went on to point out this particular iPad technology can provide BMW Group Financial Services’ field remarketers and their managers with data and real-time selling analysis that can brings sales across the entire country to the reps’ fingertips.

The VP also noted it can allow the group to reposition inventory based on the market strength.

Manheim’s senior vice president of customer management Nick Peluso stressed that, “It’s our priority to provide solutions that simplify detailed data such as vehicle and sales statistics.

“By using the new application, auction reps and managers can stay interactive from the comfort of their offices while browsing Manheim auctions around the nation,” Peluso continued.

“We’re consistently looking at ways we can provide our customers with quick, accurate and more convenient access to conduct business, and BMW Group Financial Services is a leading-edge partner with which to work,” he went on to say.

Manheim Joins in Celebration of National Auto Auction Week

From North to South and East to West, Manheim locations throughout the country recognized National Auto Auction Week, which wrapped up today.

Sponsored by the National Auto Auction Association, Manheim reiterated that the special week is intended to increase awareness about the significant contributions to the national economy and local communities made by the auto auction industry.

“On behalf of Manheim, I would like to thank all of our loyal customers, strategic partners and dedicated employees for their commitment to furthering the auction industry,” declared Sandy Schwartz, president of Manheim.

“As the auction industry experiences significant changes, NAAA continues to offer leadership and collaboration that strengthens the value that auctions bring,” Schwartz continued.

Manheim pointed out that it not only represents 73 auction operating locations in North America, but also partners with 125 independent auto auctions to remarket vehicles through OVE.com. Manheim auctions have served their communities for more than 65 years, and the company stressed its 26,000 employees continue to give back through charity involvement, conservation efforts and economic contributions. 

“National Auto Auction Week is a great opportunity for members of all ages to get involved and spread the word about the importance of wholesale auto auctions,” stated Jay Cadigan, current NAAA president and one of multiple Manheim executives actively involved in NAAA.

“This week is all about auctions across the industry working together to present a unified voice that benefits everyone,” Cadigan concluded.