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FREDERICK, Md. — In another measure of support by the auction industry, the Independent Auctions Advisory Committee has endorsed the National Auto Auction Association's National Arbitration Policy, and co-chair of the IAAC expects independent auction owners will quickly adopt it.

"We're very excited by the process taken to standardize auction procedures," said Charlotte Pyle, IAAC co-chair, NAAA vice president and co-owner of Capital City Auto Auction in St. Albans, W.Va.

"It makes it easier for a customer to do business across the board and it levels the playing field for all auctions in conducting arbitration procedures," she continued.

Pyle also noted that it may take slightly longer for all independents to adopt the policy than it would for corporate auctions due to "their very nature."

Lynn Weaver, IAAC co-chair and general manager of Harrisburg Auto Auction in Mechanicsburg, Pa., said that with IAAC voting to endorse the policy, there aren't likely to be any hiccups as far as getting a majority of independents to adopt the policy.

"After all, it's for everyone's benefit," he noted. "This offers customers a seamless, consistent experience from auction to auction, regardless of whether independently owned or part of a corporate group."

NAAA president Dave Angelicchio explained: "Our aim was to develop a uniform principle of fair, consistent and ethical treatment that could be embraced by the entire auto auction industry.

"This policy has previously been endorsed and universally adopted by ADESA, Manheim and ServNet," he continued. "We believe it will prove greatly beneficial in sustaining the trust and confidence of auction customers and reduce the confusion that came with different arbitration policies at different locations."

Frank Hackett, NAAA executive director, added: "The National Auto Auction Association's vision of a universal arbitration policy for the remarketing industry has become a reality as all segments of the association's membership have moved to adopt the new guidelines."