Manheim re-opens auctions for COVID-19 secure used car viewings

Manheim has confirmed that its auction sites will re-open for COVID-secure used car viewings from Monday (September 14).

Cox Automotive’s physical remarketing division will take appointments from interested traders on a site-by-site basis as it re-opens its doors after operating wholly online since May as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Viewing appointments are available the day prior to the vehicle’s sale date, or on the morning of an evening sale, and should be booked directly with the relevant auction centre.

Manheim has said that it will also continue to waive its online buying fees, however, as well as providing vehicle collection free of charge and free QuickList Imagery of their auction purchases.

Liam Quegan, Manheim Auction Services’, managing director, said: “When our auction programme restarted in June, we extended our support package to help accelerate dealers’ return.

“It’s important we continue this support and evolve the package to reflect changing circumstances.

“Buyers have adapted incredibly well to online-only sales, but we know some will really value the ability to view stock in person, so have re-worked our processes to make this happen in a safe and controlled way.

“We believe it remains the right thing to do to waive our usual Simulcast buyer’s fee and continue to make it easier for our customers to buy stock online and accelerate how quickly they can get it on sale.”

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) welcomed physical buyers back to socially-distanced auction halls a fortnight ago after preparing its locations to limit COVID-19 transmission.

Back in June Aston Barclay, announced that a limited number of car traders would be allowed to view vehicles at its auction sites, prior to sales, by appointment only.

However, it said at the time that, despite the changed policies, its auction programme would continue in its purely online format.

Last month Aston Barclay group managing director Martin Potter told AM that some OEM and fleet auctions at the business may stay digital – spurred on by success during the lockdown.