DETROIT -

SmartAuction has sold its 5 millionth vehicle.

Ally Financial announced today that its online auction platform held a special auction for the milestone vehicle, which was purchased by Classic Chevrolet of Grapevine, Texas.

The winning bid was approximately $180,000, and Ally will divide that sum and donate it to 10 charities in the Dallas area selected by the dealership. The consignor on the car was Ally, and the vehicle itself is a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. 

The 5 millionth car sold via SmartAuction comes 15 years after the launch of the platform, which averages 22,500 listings, nearly 1,200 makes and models, and more than 8,000 buyers and sellers each day.

One of the more recent landmarks for SmartAuction — which is the presenting sponsor of the National Remarketing Conference at Used Car Week — was the launch of its iPhone and Android app in 2013. There are an average of 22,500 monthly log-ins for the app, which has seen its usage double in the last year.

“The key to our success has been utilizing feedback from our dealership community and leveraging our relationships with independent auctions, rental and fleet companies, and other vehicle consignors to create the best experience online,” said Steve Kapusta, vice president of dealership online services and remarketing at Ally. 

“As buyers and sellers have grown more comfortable with online auctions, we’ve been able to grow the platform, expanding the virtual inventory of vehicles and incorporating new technology and tools that make purchase and sale transactions easier and faster every day,” Kapusta said.

He added: “Reaching five million sales on SmartAuction is a testament to the performance of the platform over the years, and its ability to generate value for buyers and sellers around the country. Ally is proud to have strong and trusted relationships with dealers and SmartAuction is just one of the many leading products and services that we offer to help them succeed.”

There will be a celebration on Nov. 16 in Grapevine, where the aforementioned donations will be presented on behalf of Classic Chevrolet to the following organizations:

6 Stones Mission Network
Christ’s Haven for Children,
The Angel Fund of Trinity High School
RISE Adventures
Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange
Food for the Soul
VAST (Valuable After School Time)
Christian Community Storehouse of Kelleher
North Texas SNAP
Neuro Fitness.

“Ally’s SmartAuction platform is an important tool for us when buying and selling inventory, so we are pleased to be part of this milestone for SmartAuction,” said Tom Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet. “We are also incredibly proud that the funds from this auction will help many organizations in our community that make a difference in so many lives — something the team at Classic Chevrolet is honored to support.”