The Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA) has teamed up with Manheim on a two-year deal that will see the pair remarket nearly 60,000 cars by the end of 2008.

The partnership, which helps the RAA compete on buying power with the larger dealer groups, consists of 22 independent members, including Essex Ford Group and Patterson Motor Group. As a result of the deal, there will be more than ten sales held across the country every week.

Marc Matthew, chairman of the RAA and Lifestyle Europe, said: “The RAA began using Manheim’s services about a year ago and our members have all worked very closely with their respective Manheim auction locations to create a really coherent sales programme.”

Matthew says financial benefits so far have been tangible and the used car support and staff training provided by Manheim has helped Lifestyle Europe’s used car remarketing activities. More than 300 RAA member’s sales staff are expected to take part in Manheim’s used vehicle training programme.

“Getting all this right at the sharp end makes huge differences to dealer profitability,” said Alan Cureton, sales director for Manheim’s dealer sector.