Manheim’s flagship auction location, Manheim Pennsylvania, sold more than 8,200 of the approximately 10,000 vehicles offered for sale digitally during the week ending June 19, 2020. 

This digital sales week beat last year’s combined physical and digital sales week by almost 900 vehicles. Using Simulcast, OVE.com and Manheim Express, according to Manheim. Nearly 9,000 dealer buyers participated virtually, showing dealers’ ability to keep their businesses forward by leveraging the digital wholesale marketplace.

“Even though we could not physically greet and see our clients this week, we are excited about continuing to help them be successful,” said Joey Hughes, vice president and general manager at Manheim Pennsylvania.

Due to COVID-19, Manheim shifted its 76 sites in the U.S. from physical to Simulcast-only sales beginning on March 16. This included closing all locations to clients and operating with limited staffing based on local and state directives. To assist dealers during this time, Manheim waived all Simulcast buy and sell fees and continues to do so today, and 90% of Manheim sites now offer clients the ability to preview inventory onsite. 

Earlier in June, the company allowed sellers to represent vehicles on the block and piloted in-lane bidding at five of its sites beginning the week of June 22. Both decisions were made after establishing strict safety protocols based on COVID-19 guidance.

Simulcast participation nearly tripled since early April, said Manheim. Simulcast attendance hitting approximately 20,000 attendees each day starting in mid-June and experiencing an 81% increase in OVE.com sales in one week. In addition, Manheim experienced approximately 1 million digital transactions from January through May, weeks ahead of the same time last year.

“We realize that moving to an all-digital format was a significant adjustment for our clients,” said Manheim President Grace Huang. “Our clients have shown great resiliency, resourcefulness and an ability to overcome challenges, and we thank them for their patience and support as we work together to keep our businesses moving forward in the safest way possible.”

Established in 1945 as Manheim Auto Auction, Manheim Pennsylvania is the world’s largest wholesale auto auction offering more than a half-million used vehicles for sale each year.