Manheim launches new Alabama auction
Manheim built its latest auction from the ground up.
The national auction giant partnered with TR Group to establish 4 Star Auto Auction in Valley, Ala., a new location on nearly 22 acres that operates two auction lanes with the ability to expand to three as needed.
The $4.2 million facility uses Manheim’s technology, expertise and staffing, and offers the company’s services, including financing, condition reports and assurance services.
The first sale was held on May 29 with 189 dealers in-lane and online, and nearly half of the 85 vehicles offered were sold.
“When Manheim approached me about partnering on this new location, I thought it was a great opportunity,” said Terry Ratliff, owner and principal of Opelika, Ala.-based TR Group. “The Manheim brand is synonymous with quality, something I’ve spent 20 years building at TR Group, so the partnership was a natural fit.”
Manheim said its mobile strategy was initially developed to offer independent and small franchise dealers more convenient ways to buy and sell vehicles, and 4 Star AA is part of its commitment to meeting the needs of local dealers and establishing auction operations in underserved markets.
The Valley auction becomes Manheim’s second in Alabama, joining Manheim Birmingham.
“Since we began offering mobile auctions in 2014, we have learned a lot,” said Doug Kramer, Market Center leader for Manheim’s Southeast region. “In addition to bringing convenient and needed inventory to dealers where they live and work, mobile auctions provide quality inventory and services, along with historically solid conversion rates, to help our dealers grow their business.”
4 Star Auto Auction is planning a grand opening sale event on July 24. Weekly sales will take place Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.