Paul is a seasoned digital journalist who has covered an array of fleet and automotive topics for Automotive Fleet, Government Fleet, Mobile Electronics, Police Magazine, Work Truck, and other Bobit Business Media publications.
Manheim and Adesa auctions in the path of hurricane Dorian mostly shifted to digital sales on Thursday as the storm drenched the Carolinas and Virginia.
The nation's largest wholesale vehicle auctions, including Manheim and Adesa, have shifted to digital-only auctions and taken other precautions to protect the facilities from Hurricane Dorian's possible landfall later this week.
Manheim's president who oversees the inventory solutions unit offers thoughts on fleet mobility services, bringing artificial intelligence to inspections, and the company's diversification strategy.
Alliance Auto Auction will build its fifth auction facility in Texas — a six-lane facility on the northeast side of Austin, the company's CEO has announced.
The average sale price for used vehicles from fleet leasing consignors increased 1.9% to $12,706 in January from the prior month and 3.9% from January of 2018, according to Tom Kontos, KAR's chief economist.
Online sales of used vehicles in the wholesale market likely exceeded 2 million in 2018, as remarketing technology made it easier for dealers to evaluate, bid, and buy vehicles beyond physical auction locations.
The average prices for used fleet vehicles sold at auction increased 6.2% to $12,464 in 2018, despite a weaker finish to the year that saw a 0.4% decline in December, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
Overall average wholesale prices softened in November from a year ago mostly due to 2017 prices that were elevated due to increased demand from hurricanes Harvey and Irma, even though values of former fleet vehicles increased, according to Tom Kontos, KAR Auction Services' chief economist.
Commercial sales increased 10.3% in October, while sales to government agencies increased 1%. Sales into daily rental increased 0.2%.
New York-based Greenbriar Equity Group has acquired Spireon, Inc. from Bertram Capital, a San Mateo-based equity firm that has presided over the expansion of the telematics provider.