Manheim Europe has integrated its Portfolio Europe and Vehicle Remarketing Solutions subsidiaries. The two businesses already share a number of customers including MG Rover, Skoda and Volkswagen. Portfolio Europe provides retail marketing support for car manufacturers and dealers and has offices in the UK, Europe and Australia. VRS specialises in vehicle marketing for carmakers and more than 4,500 retailers. Mike Pilkington has been appointed managing director of Portfolio Europe and will remain managing director of Vehicle Remarketing Solutions. He will manage both as individual businesses but will develop joint offerings.

Portfolio Europe retains Andy Henshaw as its chief executive officer, who will focus on developing strategic direction.

Pilkington says: “We are taking a strategic view of how we can combine the latest technology with leading edge vehicle wholesaling and retailing strategies to really make a difference to our customers' businesses.” He believes the growth of the internet will drive expansion.