CARMEL, IN — KAR Auction Services, Inc., a provider of vehicle and salvage auction services in North America, announced a 30-percent increase in online sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2009 for ADESA, the company’s whole car auction services business, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

Additionally, the holding company’s salvage auction services business, Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA), experienced 9 percent growth in online sales volumes for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2008.

Online sales volumes for ADESA in 2009 reached nearly 390,000 vehicles, which represented slightly more than 19 percent of total vehicles sales for ADESA. Online sales volumes for IAA reached more than 550,000, which represented more than 45 percent of total vehicle sales for IAA. Total online sales volumes for both companies neared the 1 million mark with more than 950,000 vehicles, making KAR one of the largest online sellers of wholesale used and salvage vehicles worldwide.

“Customers have different buying and selling preferences and KAR is committed to providing them with auction services during every stage of the remarketing process—regardless of where the inventory is located—as well as through every possible channel, online or at our 215 physical whole car and salvage auction locations,” said Benjamin Skuy, executive vice president of international markets and strategic initiatives for KAR.

Dealers are utilizing both the electronic systems and physical sites in record numbers. Recently, the company’s whole car unit received two of Auto Dealer Monthly’s prestigious Dealers’ Choice Awards—top place for purchasing inventory online and second place for brick-and-mortar auctions.

“We have dedicated substantial resources to our platforms—LiveBlock, DealerBlock and i-Bid Live—in order to enhance our online remarketing options,” Skuy said. “In addition, we continue to develop products and services for the entire remarketing industry through our wholly owned subsidiary, LiveBlock Auctions International.”