Manheim Auctions has secured contract wins with dealers this month that will put up to 34,000 vehicles through its auctions each year.

The auction and remarketing group sealed a renewed deal this week with the Retail Automotive Alliance (RAA), just days after scooping a new contract with retail group Hartwell. 

Manheim’s win of Hartwell’s exclusive business means the end of a long-term relationship between BCA, Manheim’s key rival, and the dealer group. 

Hartwell began remarketing used cars through BCA more than 20 years ago.

The agreement will see Hartwell dispose of up to 4,000 vehicles annually through Manheim’s auction centres in Bristol and Leeds.

Patrick Lawrence, Hartwell’s used car manager, said: “We have been using auctions for many years now and have become increasingly aware of Manheim and its various operations in the UK. 

“This exclusive contract is in recognition of Manheim’s capability, experience and dedication to deliver a high level of service.”

Alan Cureton, Manheim Auctions’ dealer sales director, added: “As one of the first major dealer groups to adopt an auction policy more than 20 years ago Hartwell has already shown the way for many others. 

“I would hope that Hartwell’s decision to award this exclusive contract to Manheim Auctions will result in other dealer groups reviewing their existing remarketing policies.”

The RAA contract extends its original relationship with Manheim which first started in April 2006. 

The alliance of 22 dealer groups will remarket up to 30,000 used cars and vans annually through sales at A1 Knottingly, Birmingham, Bristol, Colchester, Manchester, Mansfield, Northampton, Saltash and Wimbledon. 

In addition, there will be a special monthly sale at Coventry, and a separate sale programme for commercial vehicles.

Marc Matthew, RAA chairman, said: “I believe that the professional remarketing of used vehicles is fundamental to a dealer’s profitability and our recent experience with Manheim has reinforced that belief.”

Cureton added: “To be endorsed by an organisation that represents so many leading dealer groups throughout the UK is recognition of the pivotal role played by auctions in the remarketing process.”