CARMEL, Ind. -

On Friday, KAR Auction Services announced the purchase of AuctionTrac, a company that specializes in offering satellite-based GPS technology for vehicle tracking.

“This acquisition allows us to overcome what has been a long-standing obstacle in the auto remarketing industry, an efficient and reliable method for locating and tracking vehicles,” explained David Vignes, executive vice president of enterprise optimization for KAR Auction Services.

“Our customers and our employees will definitely experience its many benefits, and it will enable KAR to further streamline our processes and realize increased efficiencies in our lot operations,” he added.

The AuctionTrac software is designed to easily and accurately identify the location of a specific vehicle within seconds. A user just need to enter the vehicle criteria online and a map displays an aerial view of the lot and the vehicle. Moreover, a virtual grid can help to pinpoint the unit’s exact location. Information can be accessed from the Internet or a smartphone.

The software also includes an integrated voice response system that provides spoken descriptions of vehicles and locations as well as instructions for using the system. Finally, the data can also be accessed via SMS text messaging, which is similar to what major airlines use to alert travelers of arrival and departure information. Users can decide to have the vehicle information sent to a cell phone via SMS any time a vehicle is touched or moved.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to become part of the KAR family of companies to further enhance AuctionTrac and create an industry-changing product,” said Michael Newman, senior vice president of AuctionTrac.

Officials noted that because the system uses satellite-based GPS technology, there are few infrastructure requirements or business disruptions when adopting the software. The system is also easily designed to be upgraded in the future.

“AuctionTrac demonstrates ADESA’s continued commitment to innovative and technological advancements to better serve our customers,” pointed out Tom Caruso, ADESA chief executive officer and president.

He concluded by saying that he expects the program to be fully implemented at all ADESA locations within the next year.