ATLANTA – Manheim announced today that Manheim Seattle has entered into an expanded partnership with VW Credit, Inc. (VCI), the financial services subsidiary of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. The Seattle agreement brings the total number of Manheim locations with dedicated VCI sales to 11 in North America.

VCI’s success at other Manheim locations and the company’s ability to offer a variety of remarketing channels was a strong catalyst for the decision to expand. VCI will bring pre-owned Volkswagen and Audi vehicles to Manheim Seattle’s Exotic Highline Event buyers throughout 2011.

“Manheim Seattle is a sound choice for the future growth of VCI,” said Mark Ilijanic, general manager auctions, VCI. “At the end of last year, we assessed where we stood in each market across the United States and evaluated areas with growth opportunities. With the inventory trends we saw, we felt that Seattle was an area where we could significantly expand and grow our highline footprint.”

The inaugural VCI Sale was held last month and featured approximately 200 units in the open sale.

In addition to hosting its own monthly lane sale at Manheim Seattle’s Exotic Highline Event, VCI will offer units on Manheim Simulcast. They will also host a weekly Manheim Monday sale from Manheim Seattle. Buyers can preview available Volkswagen and Audi inventory via Manheim’s 24/7 “bid” or “buy now” solution, OVE.com, five days before each sale.

“We look forward to welcoming VCI to Manheim Seattle and furthering our strong partnership by adding another market-leading location,” said Tom Nohstadt, vice president, commercial accounts, Manheim. “Our buyers will gain a fresh, new supply of quality Volkswagen and highline Audi inventory as a result of our new partnership, and we are confident VCI will enjoy the award-winning service level they will receive from their newest VCI-Manheim team members.”