Manheim Online Quadruples Cars Sold on its CyberLots
30 March 1999
Manheim Online Quadruples Cars Sold on its CyberLotsJump in Sales Reflects Company's Technology Education and Support Programs for Dealers; 1999 Sales Expected to Top $500 Million ATLANTA, March 30 -- Manheim Online(TM) (MOL), the leader in auto-related electronic commerce and an extended service of Manheim Auctions, today announced the number of used cars sold on its Web-based CyberLots(TM) in the first three months of 1999 has nearly quadrupled compared to the same period in 1998, increasing from 1,658 to 6,351 vehicles. Further, the total value of cars sold rose from $31 million to more than $100 million, and is expected to reach a 1999 year-end total of $500 million. This rapid growth is due in large part to Manheim's efforts to foster a higher level of comfort with online purchasing among dealers who select pre-owned inventory from CyberLots. Manheim has initiated an array of education and support programs, including placing Technology Managers at all auction sites, to help dealers use technology to sell more vehicles and increase profitability. Editor's Summary * Manheim Online today reported a four-fold increase in the number of cars sold on its CyberLots during the first quarter of 1999 versus the same period in 1998. * Total value of cars sold in Q1 rose from $31 million in 1998 to more than $100 million in 1999, and is expected to total $500 million by year-end. * Due in large part to Manheim's proactive technology education and support efforts, dealers are increasingly turning to the Internet to augment inventory purchases at traditional auctions. "Manheim's goal is helping dealers become comfortable using Internet technology to sell more cars," said Dennis Berry, CEO of Manheim Auctions. "All our programs and services are simple and easy to use, and are backed with excellent support. We've made a $50 million investment to date in technology tools and training for dealers, and it's paying off in increased use of CyberLots, the AutoConnect(SM) site and other offerings. We're continuing to anticipate dealer needs with new programs. For example, our MOL portal that centralizes access to Manheim services and tools was snapped up by 1,000 dealers in the first week." New CyberLots During Q4 of 1998 and Q1 of 1999, MOL added six CyberLots to its Web site, bringing the total to date to 24. The new additions are: * GE Capital Auto Lease * Nissan * Infiniti * GM/GMAC US * GMAC Canada * Subaru Leasing Corp. "We use Manheim CyberLots every day, and have purchased dozens of cars," said John Hanson of Hanson Pontiac & GMC in New Hamburg, Ontario. "We've even pre-sold some cars by having the customer sit down at the computer. CyberLots offer our dealership a number of benefits, including the ability to restock inventory as we need it, rather than having to wait for a weekly or monthly auction. Also, Manheim is scrupulous about describing any flaws accurately, so we can buy with confidence. Using CyberLots has been a very good experience." Manheim offers a wide range of programs and services to familiarize dealers with the Internet and help them integrate technology into their overall business strategies and operations. One of the most popular is the Technology Manager program, which provides dealers with ready access to a knowledgeable technical expert at each Manheim auction site. Feedback from dealers indicates Tech managers are playing an instrumental role in industry adoption of Internet marketing, online purchasing and software management tools. About Manheim Online Manheim Online, an extended service of Manheim Auctions, is the world leader in auto-related electronic commerce. Manheim Online has been named one of the top 10 electronic commerce sites on the World Wide Web by PC Week magazine. Additional information regarding Manheim Online and Manheim Auctions is available on the Internet at http://www.manheim.com . About Manheim Auctions Founded in 1945, Manheim Auctions, Inc., (http://www.manheim.com ) is the world's largest operator of wholesale automobile auctions with 85 locations in North America, the United Kingdom and France. In 1998, Manheim offered for sale more than 6.5 million vehicles. The actual value of vehicles sold was in excess of $35 billion. Manheim is a leader in automotive Internet commerce as a supplier of web sites and transaction services to auto remarketers. In 1998, the value of vehicles sold via Manheim's wholesale CyberLots totaled more than $216 million. Manheim also provides vehicle reconditioning and certification, an Internet-based vehicle value guide, dealer floor plan financing, dealer business software and government auction services. Manheim is a partner with the Dealer Services Division of Automatic Data Processing (ADP), offering free Internet used car listings to dealers and consumers via AutoConnect, the world's largest source of used car classified advertising (http://www.autoconnect.com ). Manheim is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc. In addition to Manheim, Cox includes Cox Newspapers, Inc., Cox Broadcasting, Inc., and publicly traded Cox Communications, Inc. and Cox Radio, Inc. . Cox Enterprises also provides online news, information and entertainment services via the Internet through Cox Interactive Media. Manheim Auctions and Manheim Online are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Cox Enterprises in the United States and/or other countries.