City Auction Group expands storage capability with three new logistics centres

City Auction Group is significantly expanding its vehicle storage capabilities with the opening of three new PurpleRock centres in Edinburgh, Oakham, and Peterborough.

This expansion increases the company's capacity to store more than 5,000 vehicles, complementing existing operations in Wittering and Belfast, Northern Ireland.

The new facilities will offer a range of fully managed services, including short-, mid-, and long-term vehicle storage options for OEMs, dealer groups, rental companies, and leasing organisations.

Each centre is equipped with in-life management solutions such as vehicle repair body shops, mechanical repair services, AI-powered VUMO 360 video imagery, under-chassis scanners, and BVRLA and NAMA inspection services. Additionally, the centres will offer retail valet and UK-wide handover services for both clients and consumers.

The headquarters for PurpleRock, located in Wittering, has recently undergone a significant investment to expand its parking zones, add new modular offices, refurbish vehicle preparation buildings, and install EV charging points.

The Wittering facility has a storage capacity of 2,500 vehicles and is strategically located near the A1 and the Peterborough auction centre, which spans 10 acres and includes an indoor viewing arena for over 100 vehicles.

PurpleRock now operates 12 vehicle delivery centres nationwide and has developed an in-house logistics business to deliver auction vehicles across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Michael Tomalin, CEO of City Auction Group ‘We are building an enviable business proposition and during the last six months we have been further developing the PurpleRock defleet facilities across the East Midlands and Scotland to complement our new PurpleRock headquarters in Wittering. 

“These new facilities are a game-changer for the business, further expanding our UK footprint and strengthening our logistics offering. The Group is now recognized as a major player in the automotive sector, working in unison with some of the largest global OEMs, fleet and leasing companies, financial institutions, franchised dealer groups, and major independent car supermarkets.

“We have built our reputation on integrity and transparency. Our AI video capabilities, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced senior management team ensure we continue to grow our market share across the UK.”

PurpleRock processes vehicles to retail standards for key clients, including ARVAL, Novuna, Hertz, Mobilize Financial Services, Stellantis, OVO, and franchised dealer groups like WJ King and Car Giant.