18% of all vans sold in the Haydock auction centre in 2010 have sold via Simulcast, Manheim’s online broadcast of physical auctions which allows online buyers to log in and compete with other online buyers, as well as buyers actually in the auction hall. The achievement further underlines the increasing levels of confidence placed in this technology by commercial vehicle buyers right across the UK.

The 1,000th van - a Vauxhall Combo - was bought by Winston Thornhill, owner of Stanborough Motors Ltd from a selection of vehicles offered by Hitachi Capital. Thornhill comments, “It couldn’t be easier to buy vans via Simulcast as it gives me access to all the best stock without having to leave my desk.”

James Davis, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Manheim Remarketing, says, “Many independent used van dealers invest their own money in stock so the ability to pre-sell vans is definitely the way forward. Dealers can respond to retail enquiries with an initial search of stock nationally on our new website. At a convenient time, they can log onto to their selected auction and bid to secure the customer’s order. All this can happen from the comfort of their own office, allowing them to remain at the front line of their business and maximise their focus on every enquiry.”